Craving something warm, rich, and soul-satisfying? A dish that makes your kitchen smell like home and your table feel like a Sunday evening gathering? The Classic Beef Stew is just that kind of meal—a timeless favorite that delivers fork-tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth that begs for a chunk of crusty bread.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for colder days, this recipe will quickly become part of your comfort food rotation. It’s the kind of dish that gets even better the next day, making it a go-to for those who love deep, layered flavors with minimal fuss.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking, let’s talk about tools—because having the right equipment makes all the difference:

Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This is non-negotiable. The thick bottom helps maintain even heat, allowing for a perfect sear on your beef and a slow simmer that deepens the stew’s flavor.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: You’ll need it to cube the beef and chop hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes without struggle.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the stew without scratching your pot, especially during the sautéing phase.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision counts when balancing seasoning, broth, and thickening agents.
Cutting Board: Preferably a large one—so you can prep all your ingredients in one go.

Once you gather your tools and prep your space, you’re well on your way to mastering this stew. It’s a low-maintenance, one-pot wonder that pays off in layers of comforting flavor.

Ingredients for the Classic Beef Stew Recipe

Every ingredient in this stew plays a critical role in creating its rich, deep flavor. Here’s a look at what you’ll need and why:

Chuck Roast (Beef Stew Meat): The heart of this dish. Chuck roast becomes meltingly tender as it simmers, delivering deep, beefy flavor.
Carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and holds their texture beautifully during the long cook.
Baby Potatoes: These absorb the broth and become soft and buttery without falling apart.
Celery: Offers a savory backbone and a slightly herbal note.
Onions: Essential for the aromatic base—they caramelize slightly and enhance the stew’s depth.
Garlic: A must for warmth and aromatic complexity.
Tomato Paste: Adds umami and a touch of acidity that balances the richness.
Beef Broth: The soul of the stew—use a good-quality broth for best results.
Red Wine (Optional): Adds acidity and depth, lifting all other flavors. (Sub with more broth if needed)
Flour: Used to coat the beef and slightly thicken the stew.
Olive Oil: For browning the meat and sautéing veggies.
Bay Leaves & Fresh Thyme: Infuses a classic earthy flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper: Brings all the elements into balance.

How To Make the Classic Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Flavor

Heat a Dutch oven with olive oil over medium-high heat. Lightly coat beef chunks in flour and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside. This caramelization creates rich flavor.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring for a couple of minutes to let the flavors deepen.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in red wine (or a splash of broth), scraping the bottom of the pot to lift those flavorful bits. Return the beef to the pot, add potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and broth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Slow Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2 hours—until the beef is fork-tender and the broth is rich and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Final Season and Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove herbs. Let it sit a few minutes before serving to let everything meld beautifully.

How to Serve and Store This Hearty Classic Beef Stew

When it comes to serving, you really can’t go wrong with this stew. Ladle it into deep bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or fluffy dinner rolls that can soak up the rich broth. For a fuller meal, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or even a bed of buttered egg noodles.

Storing is just as straightforward. Let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. The flavors deepen even more the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my stew beef tender?

Use cuts like chuck roast and cook the stew low and slow. The collagen breaks down and becomes tender over a long simmer.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing your aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

What if I don’t want to use wine?

No problem. Just substitute with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.

Can I thicken the stew more?

Yes. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Is it okay to add other vegetables?

Definitely! Parsnips, turnips, or even green beans make great additions. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Want More Hearty Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta if you enjoy comforting, meaty meals with a rich sauce. Or dive into the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup for a rustic, plant-forward option that still satisfies.

For a creamy twist, the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a fantastic pairing to your bread and stew night. Another cozy classic? Try the Wendy’s Chili Recipe for that fast-food flavor at home.

Craving more meat-forward, comfort-food dishes? The Italian Grinder Salad brings that deli-style goodness to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go with the wine or the broth? Did you sneak in some parsnips? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bring this classic to life.

Want more daily inspiration? Follow along on Pinterest where I post fresh recipes every day: LadyPlate on Pinterest

Classic Beef Stew Recipe

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Classic Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty one-pot dish features tender beef simmered in a rich, savory broth with carrots, potatoes, and herbs. Ideal for family dinners or make-ahead meals, it’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for cold-weather cooking.