Hearty Beef Stew (Printable)

Tender beef and vegetables simmered slowly with savory herbs for a warm, satisfying dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
06 - 2 stalks celery, sliced
07 - 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
08 - 1 cup frozen peas

→ Liquids

09 - 4 cups beef broth (gluten-free if preferred)
10 - 1 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with extra broth if omitted)
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Spices & Herbs

12 - 2 tsp salt, or to taste
13 - 1 tsp black pepper
14 - 2 bay leaves
15 - 1 tsp dried thyme
16 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
17 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)

→ Thickener

18 - 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
19 - 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry, optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Pat beef cubes dry and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches until all sides are seared, then set aside.
03 - Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
05 - Return browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, red wine (if using), potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until beef is tender.
07 - Remove lid, stir in frozen peas, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
08 - If desired, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir into stew and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The beef becomes impossibly tender while the broth transforms into something richer than you put in.
  • It fills your whole house with a smell that makes people linger in your kitchen asking what's for dinner.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, turning one cooking session into two meals.
02 -
  • Browning the beef properly is non-negotiable—it's the difference between stew and beef soup.
  • Potatoes need time; don't cut them into huge chunks or they'll still be hard when the beef is done.
  • Taste at the end and trust your palate more than any recipe—salt especially needs adjustment.
03 -
  • A pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end adds a subtle complexity that makes people ask what's different.
  • If you have parsnips or turnips, swap them for some of the potatoes for a different flavor that's equally satisfying.

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