I’ve always found that nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of stew when the weather turns chilly-and this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is my go-to for those cozy nights. It s packed with tender chunks of beef, rich broth, and vibrant veggies, simmered slowly to develop deep, satisfying flavors that just hug you from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew delivers hearty satisfaction every time.

What I love about this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is how adaptable and forgiving it is, which makes it perfect for cooks of any skill level. It s a comforting classic with a little extra depth from ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and Herbs de Provence that give it that special homemade touch. I always recommend trying it when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug and fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma. Trust me, once you make it, you ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of tender beef and rich veggies slow-cooked in a savory broth hits all the cozy food notes.
Simple Yet Flavor-Packed: Easy steps with classic ingredients create complex layers of flavor without any fuss.
Flexible to Your Taste: You can tweak veggies, herbs, or thickness to suit what you and your family love.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a weeknight meal or a special weekend dinner, this stew always impresses.

A close-up view of a thick stew in a blue pot, with a metal spoon lifting a large spoonful of chunky stew above the pot. The stew has visible pieces of rich brown meat, orange carrot slices, and large yellow potato chunks all mixed in a smooth, creamy brown sauce that coats the ingredients. The inside of the pot shows some sauce splashed on the sides. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe work harmoniously to bring out the classic flavors of beef stew, with just the right balance of herbs and veggies. When shopping, look for good-quality stew meat and fresh produce to really make a difference in the final dish.

Stew Meat: Chuck or round roast cut into bite-sized pieces works best for tenderness after slow cooking.
All Purpose Flour: Coats the meat for browning and helps thicken the stew later on.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Simple seasonings to add a savory base depth.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning at different stages to balance the flavors.
Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for browning the beef nicely.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and body when cooked down.
Celery: Brings a fresh aromatic crunch that softens on simmering.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds warmth and a pungent pop of flavor.
Tomato Paste: Caramelizes during cooking to add richness and deepen overall flavor.
Beef Broth: The flavor backbone-homemade or store-bought works fine.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret flavor booster that brings umami and tanginess.
Herbs De Provence: A fragrant herbal mix that adds subtle floral notes.
Carrots: Sweetness and color that soften beautifully with slow simmering.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Starchy but creamy, they hold their shape well without peeling – you can peel if you want.
Bay Leaves: Adds depth with an earthy aroma throughout cooking.
Cornstarch: Optional thickener mixed with cold water to finish and thicken the stew to your liking.

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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

One thing I adore about this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often toss in whatever veggies I have on hand or switch up the herbs to suit seasons and cravings-it’s a recipe that invites your creativity without risking the classic comfort it delivers.

Add Peas: I like adding frozen peas during the last 10 minutes for a pop of green and slight sweetness.
Swap Potatoes: You can use red potatoes, russets, or even sweet potatoes for a twist; just watch cooking times since sweetness and starch content vary.
Herb Variations: Try rosemary or thyme instead of Herbs de Provence for a different herbal profile that suits your preference.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch for dredging and thickening instead of flour, and double-check your Worcestershire sauce labels for gluten.

How to Make Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Grab a large Ziploc bag and toss in your flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add in the stew meat and shake it well until every piece is nicely coated. When you brown the beef in batches-don’t overcrowd your pot!-you’ll get that gorgeous caramelized crust that adds so much flavor to the stew. Remember, you re not cooking the meat through here, just getting a sear on the outside. Set the browned meat aside for later.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Aromatics

Using the same pot, add diced onion and celery, then cook over medium heat for about 7 minutes until tender and sweet-smelling. Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for just one more minute so it doesn t burn but releases all its lovely aroma. This step is key to making sure your stew has a flavorful, layered base.

Step 3: Deepen the Sauce with Tomato Paste and Broth

Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for a few minutes, stirring often. This caramelization cuts the acidity and adds richness, making your stew taste more complex. Then pour in your beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom; those bits pack a lot of flavor. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in Worcestershire sauce and Herbs de Provence. Let everything simmer gently on low heat for about 2 hours-that s where the magic happens as the meat turns fork-tender and flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Let It All Become One

Now, toss in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and bay leaves. Continue simmering for another hour, or until the veggies are soft but not mushy. Don t forget to fish out the bay leaves before the final seasoning. This stage is where the hearty vegetables absorb all those rich beefy flavors.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish Your Stew

Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry, then stir it into the stew. Heat for a few more minutes until it thickens up nicely. If you prefer your stew a bit looser, feel free to skip this step and enjoy the broth more like a soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then serve warm with your favorite sides.

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Brown in Batches: Overcrowding the pan steals the browning process, resulting in less flavorful meat; take your time.
Caramelize the Tomato Paste: Don t skip cooking the tomato paste-it mellows acidity and creates a rich base.
Low and Slow Simmer: Patience is key; simmering gently for hours tenderizes beef and blends flavors perfectly.
Adjust Thickness at the End: Use cornstarch slurry only if you want a thicker stew; otherwise, the natural juices often make the perfect consistency.

How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

A white cup filled to the top with thick stew showing chunky layers of orange carrots, golden potatoes, and tender brown meat pieces in a rich, brown sauce with visible herbs, sitting on a white plate with a subtle textured pattern; in the background, a white cloth-lined basket holds golden brown biscuits stacked together, all placed on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I love a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh, green pop and subtle herbal notes. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving to add a touch of creaminess and richness. It really kicks up the comfort factor!

Side Dishes

This stew stands tall on its own, but I often serve it with crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. Mashed potatoes or a simple buttered egg noodle also pair wonderfully if you want to stretch the meal. A crisp green salad on the side balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the stew in individual bread bowls-just hollow out small round loaves, ladle in the stew, and garnish with fresh herbs. It s a cozy, rustic presentation that guests love. Alternatively, serving the stew over creamy polenta or alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes gives it a gourmet touch without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the stew cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers for the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and honestly, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better than the first day. Just be sure to remove bay leaves before storing!

Freezing

This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe freezes like a dream. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and it holds up great for up to 3 months. Keep in mind, potatoes can become a little softer after freezing, but that s a small tradeoff for convenience.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the beef and veggies. If it s too thick, just splash in a little extra beef broth or water to loosen it up. Stir often and don t rush it-you want that slow warmth to bring back the cozy comfort each bite promises.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics on the stove, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef and vegetables are tender. Just add the cornstarch slurry in the last 15 minutes if you want to thicken the stew.
What cut of beef works best for stew?

Chuck roast or round roast are ideal because they have enough marbling and connective tissue that breaks down during the long cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful beef. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can become tough.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it s even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just cool completely, store properly, and reheat gently before serving.
How do I adjust the stew if I want it thicker or thinner?

For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. For a thinner stew, just add more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips depending on what you enjoy or have on hand. Just be mindful of their cooking times to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen heart-it s that reliable, soul-warming dish that never disappoints and brings people together. I hope you give it a try because once you taste the tender beef and the savory broth infused with herbs and veggies, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to it. It s like giving yourself a big, warm hug from the inside out, and honestly, who doesn t want that on a busy or chilly day?