Name: Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil, more as needed; 1 onion, chopped; 6 cups beef broth; ½ cup red wine (optional); 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh rosemary; ¾ cup peas; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed); 2 tablespoons water (or as needed)

If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, you’ve got to try this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe. I absolutely love how this stew turns out rich, tender, and packed with flavor every single time. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a chilly weekend get-together, this recipe makes a bowlful of comfort you’ll want to dive into again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Rich Flavor: Slow simmering makes the beef unbelievably tender and the broth packed with savory goodness.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of them in your pantry already, and the method is straightforward.
Customizable Veggies: You can swap or add your favorites to make the stew uniquely yours.
Great for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making meal planning easier and more delicious.

A white pot filled with a thick stew showing several layers: large chunks of brown meat, round orange carrot slices, yellow potato pieces, small green peas, and diced celery, all mixed in a rich brown sauce and lightly sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a striped gray and white cloth partially visible underneath. The colors of the stew ingredients contrast brightly with the white pot, making the dish look warm and hearty photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Beef Stew, best beef stew recipes, easy beef stew, comforting beef stew, tender beef stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this hearty beef stew is all in the combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth that simmers slowly to perfection. When shopping, look for stewing beef with some marbling—it makes a huge difference in tenderness and flavor.

Flat lay of fresh cubed stewing beef, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl with black pepper, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a whole uncracked brown onion, peeled and cubed potatoes, bright orange carrot pieces, crisp celery ribs cut into chunks, a small white bowl with rich red tomato paste, a single fresh sprig of rosemary, a small white bowl of white cornstarch, a small white bowl of clear water, and fresh green peas arranged neatly on simple white ceramic dishes, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Hearty Beef Stew, best beef stew recipes, easy beef stew, comforting beef stew, tender beef stew

Stewing Beef: Choose cuts like chuck for the best balance of flavor and tenderness once slow-cooked.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps brown the beef while thickening the stew later.
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the beef.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out full flavors.
Olive Oil: For browning the meat and softening the onions; extra virgin adds a lovely richness.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the base.
Beef Broth: Use a good quality broth or homemade for maximum flavor.
Red Wine (optional): Gives complexity and a slight tang — I always add a splash when I have it on hand.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work great and absorb the stew’s flavors beautifully.
Carrots: Add sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery: Brings a fresh, aromatic crunch.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that rounds out the savory notes.
Dried or Fresh Rosemary: Herbaceous touch that pairs perfectly with beef.
Cornstarch and Water: A simple slurry to thicken the stew to your liking.
Peas: Added near the end for a burst of color and sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is—you can easily tweak it based on what you have in your fridge or your dietary preferences. Play around and make it your own!

Vegetable Swaps: I sometimes add parsnips or turnips for a slightly different earthy flavor that my family enjoys.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch for dredging and thickening, which works just as well.
Wine-Free Version: Skip the red wine and replace it with extra beef broth; it’s still delicious and perfect for kids or non-drinkers.
Spicier Stew: I’ve added a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne on chilly nights to warm things up.

How to Make Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef

First, you’ll want to combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss your cubed beef in this mixture—this step helps the meat brown beautifully and also thickens the stew later. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches so it gets a nice crust instead of steaming. This step really amps up the flavor, so don’t rush it. Once browned, set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Deglaze

In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onions. Cook them gently until they start to soften—about 3 minutes—this adds a sweet base note. Then pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot; that’s where the magic lives.

Step 3: Simmer with Veggies and Herbs

Return the beef to the pot along with potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary. Give everything a good stir, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about an hour, or up to 90 minutes if your beef is tougher—this is when everything softens and flavors meld wonderfully.

Step 4: Thicken and Finish with Peas

Near the end, mix equal parts cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then slowly stir it into the boiling stew until you get your desired thickness. Add the peas last—they only need about 5 to 10 minutes to cook and brighten up your dish. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper as needed.

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Patience is Key: Take your time browning the beef in batches to build deep flavor—don’t overcrowd the pan.
Watch Your Heat: Simmer gently rather than boiling to keep the meat tender and prevent veggies from breaking down too much.
Adjust Thickness Gradually: Add slurry little by little—you can always add more, but can’t take it away once it’s too thick.
Rest Before Serving: If you have time, let the stew sit off heat for 10-15 minutes to let flavors marry perfectly.

How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top my stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and a bit of brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of good olive oil also makes a lovely finish.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough on its own, but I often pair it with crusty bread to soak up all that luscious broth. A simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts make for a fresh contrast too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in mini cast iron pots right at the table, which looks adorable and keeps it piping hot. You can also serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers are a real treat.

Freezing

This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe freezes beautifully—just let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for 3 months and thaws overnight in the fridge for easy weeknight meals.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or burns. If the stew thickens up too much, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker for this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! Just brown the beef and sauté the onions first as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender. Add peas near the last 30 minutes to keep them fresh and bright.
What cut of beef is best for stew?

Chuck roast or stewing beef with good marbling works best because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Lean cuts tend to dry out, so it’s worth choosing cuts meant for braising.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too runny?

Make a slurry of cornstarch and cold water and stir it into the simmering stew little by little until it reaches your desired thickness. Be patient and add in small increments to avoid it becoming too thick.
Can I prepare this stew ahead and reheat later?

Yes! In fact, I find the flavors taste better the next day. Just store it in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stove. Add any fresh herbs or peas during the last few minutes for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for good reason—it’s dependable, comforting, and so easy to customize. Whenever I make a big pot, I know I’m set for delicious, warming meals that keep everyone happy. I hope you give it a try and find it as satisfying and crowd-pleasing as I do. Trust me, once you’ve had a bowl of this, you’ll be hooked!