Description
Craving a cozy, satisfying meal? This Easy Homemade Beef Stew is a cold-weather classic that never fails. It features fork-tender beef, buttery potatoes, and hearty carrots simmered in a rich, savory broth. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, a make-ahead healthy snack, or a one-pot easy recipe to feed the whole family, this stew checks every box. It’s wholesome, filling, and perfect for your go-to collection of comfort food ideas.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
4 large yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape the pot to loosen any browned bits.
4. Pour in beef broth, add bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
5. Return seared beef to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Add potatoes and carrots. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Don’t rush the simmering – Low and slow is key to meltingly tender beef.
Sear in batches – Overcrowding prevents browning and reduces flavor development.
Make it ahead – Stew tastes even better the next day after flavors meld overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: beef stew, comfort food, one-pot meal, easy dinner, fall recipe