Best Ever Beef Stew recipe that combines rich, slow-simmered flavor with tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables. This is the kind of stew that tastes even better the next day and is perfect for chilly nights.
🥘 Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
For the Stew:
2 ½ lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging)
3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (divided)
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup red wine (optional; use more broth if not using wine)
4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
2 bay leaves
1 ½ lbs potatoes (Yukon gold or red), cut into chunks
4 carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 cup frozen peas (add at the end)
Optional: 1 tsp sugar (helps balance acidity)
Optional Thickener:
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
Instructions
Prep and Brown the Beef:
Pat beef dry with paper towels.
Season with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour.
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
Lower heat to medium. Add remaining oil, then sauté onions for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in red wine and scrape up any browned bits. Let it reduce by half (about 5 minutes).
Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and the browned beef.
Simmer Gently:
Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is starting to get tender. You can also do this in a 325°F oven.
Add Veggies:
Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 30–40 minutes, uncovered, until vegetables are soft and stew thickens.
Finish:
Stir in peas during the last 5 minutes.
Optional: For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch slurry and stir in; simmer until thickened.
Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.