Beef Stew

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of beef stew. This hearty dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, perfect for chilly nights when you crave something warm and satisfying. You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of ingredients can transform into a rich and flavorful meal that warms not just your stomach, but your soul as well. Plus, it’s relatively simple to make, taking about an hour and a half from start to finish.

What makes this beef stew so special is its depth of flavor and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with fresh vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that brings family and friends together, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Why you’ll love beef stew

• Super hearty and filling.
• Bursting with rich flavors.
• Easy to make in one pot.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.
• Budget-friendly and satisfying.

What ingredients do I need for beef stew?

• 2 Tbsp avocado oil
• 1 medium-sized yellow onion (chopped)
• 2 to 2.5 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• 2 large carrots (chopped)
• 1 cup celery (chopped)
• 2 cups yukon gold potatoes (chopped*)
• 32 ounces beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp sea salt (to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (to taste)

Ingredient notes & swaps

• Beef stew meat: Chuck roast is an excellent choice for a tender cut that holds up in stews.
• Carrots: Feel free to substitute with parsnips for a different flavor.
• Thickening agent: Instead of flour, you can use cornstarch as a gluten-free option.

How do I make beef stew step-by-step?

Making a delicious beef stew is quite straightforward. Start by browning the beef, then add your vegetables and let everything simmer until tender. Here’s how:

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Push the onion to the side and add the beef stew meat and minced garlic. Brown the beef for a few minutes.
4. Stir in the all-purpose flour until incorporated.
5. Add in the chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, dried oregano, parsley, and bay leaf.
6. Cover and bring the stew to a boil.
7. Reduce to a gentle boil and cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and beef are fork tender.
8. Season with sea salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf.
9. Serve in large bowls with crusty bread. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: If you want deeper flavor, consider searing the beef for a few extra minutes before adding the onions.

Visual doneness cues: Look for fork-tender beef and soft potatoes, along with a rich aroma wafting through your kitchen.

How should I serve it?

Serve your beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. You could also add a side salad for a fresh crunch.

Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?

Absolutely! Beef stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until bubbling.

How do I fix common issues?

If your stew turns out dry, add a little more broth or water during the simmering process. For bland stew, a pinch more salt or some Worcestershire sauce can amp up the flavor. If the stew ends up too thick, just stir in some additional broth until desired consistency is achieved.

What variations can I try?

Get creative with your beef stew! Consider adding peas for sweetness, or throw in some mushrooms for earthiness. You can also swap the beef for chicken or choose plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen meat?
  Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it before cooking for even results.

• How do I know when it’s done?
  The beef should be tender enough to shred with a fork, and the vegetables should be soft, not mushy.

• Can I add more veggies?
  Yes! Feel free to include bell peppers, green beans, or even corn to enhance the dish’s color and flavor.

Beef Stew

A comforting and hearty beef stew packed with rich flavors and tender vegetables, perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp avocado oil Alternatively, olive oil can be used.
• 1 medium-sized yellow onion, chopped
• 2 to 2.5 lbs beef stew meat Chuck roast is an excellent choice.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour Or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• 2 large carrots, chopped Can substitute with parsnips.
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cups yukon gold potatoes, chopped
• 32 ounces beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 tsp sea salt To taste.
• ¼ tsp black pepper To taste.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Push the onion to the side and add the beef stew meat and minced garlic. Brown the beef for a few minutes.
4. Stir in the all-purpose flour until incorporated.

Cooking

1. Add in the chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, dried oregano, parsley, and bay leaf.
2. Cover and bring the stew to a boil.
3. Reduce to a gentle boil and cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and beef are fork tender.
4. Season with sea salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf.
5. Serve in large bowls with crusty bread.

Notes

Beef stew tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave until bubbling.