This Classic Homemade Beef Stew is a cozy, one-pot comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for chilly nights. Tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots simmer in a rich, savory broth, creating a hearty meal the whole family will love.
Whether you’re cooking on the stovetop, in the oven, using a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot, this beef stew turns out delicious every time.
You may also like my Slow Cooker Beef Stew or Easy Beef Pot Roast!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – straightforward steps for four different cooking methods
- Deep, rich flavor – from seared beef, garlic, herbs, and tomato paste
- Naturally gluten-free – just use gluten-free flour
- Family favorite – even picky eaters love this one!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 2-inch chunks, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt (or sea salt), plus more to taste
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour (or whole wheat, if not gluten-free)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ Yellow Onion, chopped
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 Large Carrot (or 2 medium), cut into chunks
- 2 Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced
- 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 Beef Stew (Oven Method)
- Preheat Oven to 325°F while you prep the ingredients.
- Chop the Veggies – Dice onions, carrots, and potatoes into 2-inch chunks.
- Season and Dredge the Beef – Toss beef with salt, pepper, and flour.
- Sear the Beef – In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown beef in batches for 3–4 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Sauté Veggies – In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and carrots. Cook 2–3 minutes.
- Build the Stew – Add potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire, bay leaf, and broth. Scrape browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Simmer and Braise – Return beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to oven.
- Bake for 2 to 2½ hours or until beef is fork-tender. Remove bay leaf and season to taste before serving.
🫕 Stovetop Instructions
Follow steps 1–7 above. Then:
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 60–90 minutes.
- Stir occasionally and add extra broth or water if needed.
🐌 How to Make Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker
Quick Method
- Add beef, veggies, broth, and seasonings to the crockpot.
- Stir well and cook:
- Low: 9–10 hours
- Medium: 7–8 hours
- High: 6–7 hours
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + ½ cup stew liquid) to thicken.
Flavor-Boosted Method
- Sear seasoned and floured beef in a skillet.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots for 2–3 minutes. Deglaze with broth.
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook as directed above.
⚡ Instant Pot Beef Stew
- Season and flour the beef.
- Use Sauté mode to brown beef. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic for 2–3 minutes. Deglaze with broth.
- Stir in tomato paste and seasonings. Add beef, potatoes, carrots, and bay leaf.
- Seal the lid, cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
- Let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then remove the lid.
- Thicken with a cornstarch slurry if needed using Sauté mode.
❓ Beef Stew FAQ
How do I thicken beef stew?
Use a cornstarch slurry: mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with stew liquid or water and simmer until thickened.
How long should beef stew cook in a crockpot?
Low: 9–10 hours | Medium: 7–8 hours | High: 6–7 hours
What cut of beef is best for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal for tenderness and flavor.
🍽 What to Serve with Beef Stew
- Crusty bread or garlic naan
- Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
- White rice, quinoa, or couscous
- Roasted veggies or a green salad
- Cornbread, like a jalapeño skillet cornbread
- Dinner rolls or my Healthy Broccoli Casserole