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Classic Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

This Classic Homemade Beef Stew is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal.

If you love this dish, you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Beef Stew or Easy Beef Pot Roast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Versatile – Can be made on the stovetop, in the oven, a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot.
  • Rich & Flavorful – The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, complemented by perfectly cooked vegetables.
  • Comforting & Filling – A complete meal in one pot that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch chunks (excess fat removed)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • ½ yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large carrot (or two medium), cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

How to Make Classic Beef Stew

Stovetop & Oven Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F while you prepare the ingredients.
  2. Prepare the beef – Season beef chunks with salt and pepper. Toss with flour until evenly coated.
  3. Sear the beef – Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sauté the vegetables – In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Build the stew – Stir in potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Scrape up any browned bits from the pot for extra flavor.
  6. Simmer & Bake – Bring the mixture to a simmer, return the beef to the pot, cover, and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2-2.5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  7. Serve & Enjoy – Remove the bay leaf, taste for seasoning adjustments, and enjoy your comforting bowl of beef stew.

Slow Cooker Method

For a convenient option, use a crockpot:

  1. Quick Method: Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, mix well, and cook on low for 9-10 hours, medium for 7-8 hours, or high for 6-7 hours.
  2. Flavorful Method: Sear the beef and sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Deglaze the skillet with broth, then pour it over the ingredients in the crockpot. Cook as directed.
  3. Thickening Tip: 30 minutes before serving, mix ½ cup of the stew liquid with 1 tbsp cornstarch, then stir back into the pot. Let it cook until thickened.

Instant Pot Method

  1. Brown the beef using the sauté mode in the Instant Pot, then remove.
  2. Sauté onions & garlic in the same pot.
  3. Deglaze by adding beef broth, scraping up the browned bits.
  4. Add remaining ingredients and stir.
  5. Pressure Cook – Seal the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before opening.
  6. Thicken if needed with cornstarch mixed in a little water, then simmer for 5-10 minutes on sauté mode.

What to Serve with Beef Stew

Pair this comforting dish with:

  • Crusty bread or dinner rolls
  • Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
  • Quinoa, rice, or couscous
  • Roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I thicken beef stew? Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) stirred in 30 minutes before serving.

2. What cut of beef is best for stew? Chuck roast, pre-cut stew meat, bottom round, or rump roast work well.

3. Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Celery, mushrooms, or peas make great additions.

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Enjoy your homemade beef stew