Description
When you need comfort food that hits the spot every time, this Classic Beef Stew is the one to turn to. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a dish that feels like home in every bite. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a hearty meal prep option, or a quick warm-up for cold nights, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and even better the next day. This is one of those timeless easy recipes you’ll turn to over and over.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for GF)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 sprigs rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
2 bay leaves
Instructions
1. Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions. Sauté until translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Deglaze the pot with a splash of beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Pour in remaining broth and return beef to the pot.
4. Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything together.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally.
6. In the last 15 minutes, mix flour with a bit of water to make a slurry. Stir into the pot to thicken. Simmer uncovered until thickened.
7. Remove bay leaves and herb stems before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
For extra richness, add ½ cup of dry red wine during the deglazing step.
Don’t skip searing the beef—this creates deep flavor in the broth.
This stew is excellent the next day. Flavors deepen overnight in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: classic beef stew, easy dinner recipe, hearty beef stew, comfort food, one-pot meals