Best Ever Beef Stew: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of rich, tender beef stew on a chilly evening. This Best Ever Beef Stew recipe delivers deep, savory flavors with melt-in-your-mouth beef, hearty vegetables, and a luscious broth. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.

With a total cooking time of about 3 hours (mostly hands-off), this stew is worth the wait. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and variations to make this recipe your own.

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Ingredients

*(Serves 6-8)*

Main Ingredients

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)

• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 2 cups (475ml) water

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)

• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for umami depth)

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Vegetables

• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

• 3 celery stalks, cut into ½-inch slices

• 1.5 lbs (680g) Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, halved (optional but recommended)

• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Beef (Key for Flavor!)

• Time: 10-12 minutes | Temperature: Medium-high heat

• Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels (this ensures a good sear).

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

• Sear the beef in batches (avoid crowding) until deeply browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per batch).

• Transfer seared beef to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Time: 5 minutes | Temperature: Medium heat

• In the same pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté the onions for 3 minutes until softened.

• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

3. Deglaze and Build the Stew Base

• Time: 2 minutes | Temperature: Medium heat

• Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pot (this adds incredible flavor).

• Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

• Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute to thicken the base.

4. Add Liquids and Seasonings

• Time: 2 minutes | Temperature: Medium heat

• Slowly pour in beef broth and water while stirring.

• Add bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt.

5. Return Beef to Pot and Simmer

• Time: 1.5 hours | Temperature: Low heat (gentle simmer)

• Add the seared beef back to the pot.

• Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender.

6. Add Vegetables and Finish Cooking

• Time: 45 minutes | Temperature: Low heat

• Stir in carrots, celery, potatoes, and mushrooms (if using).

• Cover and simmer for another 45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

• Remove bay leaves and stir in frozen peas just before serving (they’ll heat through in 2-3 minutes).

7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

• Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed.

• For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water and stir into the stew, simmering for 2 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

• Best with: Crusty bread, garlic toast, or flaky biscuits.

• Pairings: A glass of red wine or a crisp green salad.

• Garnish: Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

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Expert Tips for the Best Beef Stew

✅ Choose the right cut: Chuck roast is ideal—it becomes tender when slow-cooked.
✅ Don’t skip searing: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor.
✅ Low and slow: A gentle simmer prevents tough meat.
✅ Make ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months.

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Variations & Substitutions

🌿 Herb Swap: Use herbes de Provence instead of thyme/rosemary.
🍷 No Wine? Substitute with extra beef broth + 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
🌶 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
🍠 Root Veggies: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips.

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Final Thoughts

This Best Ever Beef Stew is a foolproof, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. The long simmering time ensures ultra-tender beef and a rich, flavorful broth that’s sure to impress.

Ready in about 3 hours (mostly hands-off), this stew is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked meals. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite