The sound of beef sizzling in a heavy pot, carrots and onions softening into golden sweetness – that’s how Sunday afternoons should smell. This easy homemade beef stew brings families together around one warm, satisfying bowl. It’s the kind of meal that makes even the busiest weeknight feel like a cozy gathering.
This hearty one pot meal transforms simple chuck roast, tender vegetables, and rich broth into pure comfort food magic. Just brown the beef, toss everything together, and let time do the work – like those classic recipes your grandmother treasured, but even simpler. Full details in the blog!
I learned this method from decades of Sunday cooking, watching tough beef become fork-tender while potatoes soaked up every drop of savory gravy. The secret is in the slow simmer and trusting the process. I tested it countless times – you’ll love how the flavors deepen!
PrintEasy Homemade Beef Stew for a Cozy Delicious Meal
Enjoy this easy homemade beef stew packed with tender meat and hearty vegetables. This easy beef stew recipe creates a comforting and flavorful tender beef vegetable stew perfect for cozy winter meals. It is simple to prepare and sure to warm your family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef Chuck Roast cut into 2-inch chunks excess fat removed
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour or Whole Wheat for non-gluten
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil
- ½ Yellow Onion Chopped Large
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 Large Carrot or two small-medium cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 Yukon Gold Potatoes diced into 2-inch pieces
- 2 Cups Beef Broth see note
- ¼ Cup Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Bay Leaves
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme Leaves to garnish
Instructions
- Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat.
- Season beef chunks evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, then coat with gluten-free flour by tossing thoroughly.
- Heat olive or avocado oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat and sear the beef pieces until brown on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch, then remove meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and carrot pieces; cook while stirring occasionally until they begin to brown lightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce scraping browned bits from the pot’s bottom.
- Bring to a simmer, return browned beef to the pot, cover it securely, and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Let the stew cook for 2 to 2 and a half hours or until beef is very tender, then remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving warm.
Notes
- You may add 1-2 cups of water or more broth halfway through or 30 minutes before the dish is done if you want more broth on your stew
- Types of meat you can use: Pre-Cut Stew Meat, bottom round or rump roast, Chuck Roast, or pot roast
- You may add a bit of heat like 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Feel free to add some chopped celery
Nutrition
- Calories: 383kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 936mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 104mg
Why This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
There’s something magical about the way a simple pot transforms humble ingredients into pure comfort. This easy homemade beef stew captures all those cozy Sunday memories with minimal fuss just brown, simmer, and let time work its wonders.
The beauty lies in its forgiving nature. Chuck roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while potatoes and carrots soak up every drop of rich, savory broth. It’s the kind of one pot beef stew that fills your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma, calling everyone to gather around the table.
- Feeds a crowd with simple, affordable ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep tastes even better the next day
- Naturally gluten-free with easy flour substitutions
- Hands-off cooking means more time for family
Understanding Your Ingredients
Every ingredient in this stew has a purpose, working together like old friends who know exactly how to bring out the best in each other. The chuck roast provides rich, beefy flavor that only gets better with slow cooking, while the vegetables add natural sweetness and heartiness.
The beef chuck roast is your star player here it’s marbled with just enough fat to stay juicy during the long simmer. Don’t worry if it seems tough at first; that’s exactly what makes it perfect for stewing. The tomato paste might seem like a small amount, but it adds incredible depth without making the stew taste tomatoey.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck Roast | Becomes fork-tender with slow cooking | Pre-cut stew meat or bottom round |
| Yukon Gold Potatoes | Hold their shape, creamy texture | Red potatoes or russets |
| Tomato Paste | Adds umami and rich color | 1 tablespoon ketchup in a pinch |
| Fresh Thyme | Earthy, warming flavor | 1 teaspoon dried thyme |
The Magic Behind the Method
The secret to incredible stew lies in building layers of flavor, starting with that beautiful browning step. When you sear the beef, you’re creating what we call the “fond” those gorgeous browned bits that stick to the bottom of your Dutch oven. That’s pure flavor gold.
After browning comes the gentle aromatics onion, garlic, and carrots getting all sweet and fragrant. Then everything comes together in the oven’s gentle, even heat. This tender beef vegetable stew practically cooks itself while you relax.
- Browning creates depth: Don’t skip this step it’s where the magic starts
- Low and slow wins: 325°F gives you perfectly tender beef without tough edges
- Scrape up the fond: Those browned bits become your flavor base
- Trust the timing: 2-2.5 hours transforms tough meat into silk
Timing Your Perfect Stew
Planning your cozy winter beef stew is simple when you know the rhythm. Most of your active time happens at the beginning, then the oven does the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
| Time | What’s Happening | Your Role |
|---|---|---|
| First 15 minutes | Prep and browning | Season beef, brown in batches |
| Minutes 15-20 | Building the base | Sauté vegetables, add liquids |
| Hours 1-2.5 | Oven magic | Relax! Check once halfway through |
| Final 5 minutes | Finishing touches | Taste, season, remove bay leaf |
Troubleshooting Your Stew
Even the most experienced cooks run into little bumps along the way. The good news? Stew is incredibly forgiving, and most issues have simple fixes that won’t compromise your final result.
If your stew seems too thin: Mix a tablespoon of flour with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it in during the last 30 minutes. If it’s too thick: Just add more beef broth or water, a little at a time, until it reaches your perfect consistency.
- Beef still tough? Give it another 30-45 minutes it’ll get there
- Vegetables mushy? Add firmer vegetables like carrots and potatoes later next time
- Needs more flavor? A splash of Worcestershire sauce or extra salt works wonders
Serving and Storing Your Masterpiece
The beauty of a good stew is its versatility it’s just as happy served over creamy mashed potatoes as it is with a crusty piece of bread for dipping. I love ladling it into wide, shallow bowls that show off all those gorgeous vegetables and tender beef chunks.
This budget friendly beef stew keeps beautifully and actually improves with time. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making your second-day lunch even more satisfying than dinner was.
| Storage Method | How Long | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Quick weeknight dinners |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Make-ahead meals |
| Room temperature | 2 hours max | Serving and cooling only |
Perfect Pairings
- Warm buttermilk biscuits or crusty sourdough bread
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness
- Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
- A glass of red wine for the grown-ups
Expert Says
Making an EASY HOMEMADE BEEF STEW allows the collagen in the meat to break down, creating a rich, tender texture. Slow cooking not only enhances flavor but also breaks down tough fibers, making the beef melt in your mouth and enriching the broth with nutrients from the ingredients.
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The Long Road to Easy Homemade Beef Stew
Perfecting my easy homemade beef stew was quite the adventure, spanning weeks of experimenting with spices and textures. I still chuckle at the time I added too much salt and nearly turned it into soup. Each attempt brought me closer to the warmth and depth that now fills our family table, making it a cherished recipe at last.
FAQs ( Easy Homemade Beef Stew )
What cut of beef is best for stew?
For the best results, choose tougher cuts like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making them ideal for a rich, flavorful meal. Avoid lean cuts as they can turn dry and chewy.
Can I use a crockpot for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooking this meal in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. Just brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the broth and spices, and let it simmer.
How long do I cook beef stew?
Generally, you should cook beef stew for 2-3 hours on the stove or 6-8 hours in a slow cooker on low. The longer the stew cooks, the more tender the beef will become, so patience is key for a truly hearty dish!
What vegetables should I add?
Classic choices include carrots, potatoes, and celery, but feel free to get creative! Parsnips or peas can add interesting textures and flavors. Just ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, simmering the stew uncovered for a while can also help it naturally thicken.
After just two and a half hours in the oven, this easy homemade beef stew fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma tender beef that falls apart with a fork, vegetables swimming in rich, velvety gravy. You’ll love how it turns out, exactly like the stews that made Sunday dinners so special in my childhood home.
A splash of red wine deepens the flavor beautifully, or try adding fresh rosemary in the final hour for an herbal twist. The stew tastes even better tomorrow store it covered in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop. My grandmother always said the best stews need time to think about themselves overnight.
I’d love to see your version of this comforting classic! Share a photo and tell me did your family have a signature stew that brought everyone to the table? Pin this recipe for those chilly evenings when only a bowl of pure comfort will do, and pass it along to someone who needs a little kitchen warmth.
