Name: Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil, more as needed; 1 onion, chopped; 6 cups beef broth; ½ cup red wine (optional); 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces; 4 ribs celery, cut into 1 inch pieces; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or as needed); 2 tablespoons water (or as needed); ¾ cup peas

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, soul-warming dish that feels like a big cozy hug, look no further than this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that slowly simmers away, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and rewarding you with tender beef and flavorful veggies in every bite. Trust me, once you try this stew, you’ll keep coming back to it—perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need a little comfort food magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Tender Beef: Slow simmering breaks down the tough fibers to melt-in-your-mouth perfection every single time.
Rich, Layered Flavors: Thanks to the combo of beef broth, tomato paste, and optional red wine, this stew is deeply savory and satisfying.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to sneak in more veggies or adjust seasoning, this recipe is a great base to make your own.

A white pot filled with a thick stew showing several layers: large chunks of brown meat, round orange carrot slices, yellow potato pieces, small green peas, and diced celery, all mixed in a rich brown sauce and lightly sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a striped gray and white cloth partially visible underneath. The colors of the stew ingredients contrast brightly with the white pot, making the dish look warm and hearty photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Beef Stew, beef stew recipe, comforting beef stew, tender beef stew, cozy stew

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe plays a key role to create that perfect balance between tender meat, savory broth, and satisfying veggies. When shopping, look for stewing beef that’s nicely marbled and fresh veggies to get the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of fresh cubed stewing beef, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with garlic powder, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl with black pepper, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a whole uncracked brown onion, peeled and cubed potatoes, bright orange carrot pieces, crisp celery ribs cut into chunks, a small white bowl with rich red tomato paste, a single fresh sprig of rosemary, a small white bowl of white cornstarch, a small white bowl of clear water, and fresh green peas arranged neatly on simple white ceramic dishes, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Hearty Beef Stew, beef stew recipe, comforting beef stew, tender beef stew, cozy stew

Stewing beef: This cut is ideal because it becomes tender when simmered slowly, giving you those rich beefy bites.
All-purpose flour: Lightly coats the beef and helps thicken the stew later, creating a luscious texture.
Garlic powder: A simple way to add depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
Olive oil: Use good quality oil for browning the beef and sautéing the onions.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and aroma when softened first.
Beef broth: The heart of your stew’s liquid, choose a rich broth or stock for best results.
Red wine (optional): Adds beautiful acidity and complexity—if you don’t cook with alcohol, you can leave this out or substitute with extra broth.
Potatoes: Peel and cube for hearty body and lovely softness after simmering.
Carrots: Their sweetness balances the savory elements perfectly.
Celery: Adds subtle earthiness and texture.
Tomato paste: Brings a tangy richness and deep color to the stew.
Dried rosemary (or fresh): A fragrant herb that pairs beautifully with beef.
Cornstarch & water: Used to thicken the stew just before serving for that perfect consistency.
Peas: Added last for bright pops of color and mild sweetness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is. Sometimes I swap out veggies based on what’s in season or what my family is craving. Feel free to make it your own—cooking should be fun and fitting to your tastes, right?

Vegetable Swap: One time, I added parsnips and turnips for a slightly sweeter twist, and it was a hit with the family.
Slow Cooker Version: I’ve also had success cooking this stew in a slow cooker—it’s perfect when you want to prep in the morning and come home to dinner ready.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the potatoes and add extra mushrooms or zucchini for a lighter, low-carb stew.
No Wine: If you prefer, just use extra beef broth—no one will know the difference except your taste buds!

How to Make Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Coat and Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Start by combining the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then toss your cubed stewing beef in this mixture. This step gives the beef a beautiful sear and also helps thicken the stew later. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches so they cook evenly and don’t steam. You’ll notice a gorgeous crust forming—don’t rush this part, it’s where a lot of the flavor builds!

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Deglaze the Pot

Once the beef is browned and set aside, add chopped onions to the pot (add a splash of oil if needed). Cook until they’re soft and fragrant—around 3 minutes. Next, pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon. Those “fond” bits are flavor gold.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Simmer Slowly

Return the beef to the pot along with the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and rosemary. Stir everything together, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the stew gently simmer for about an hour, checking occasionally. If your beef isn’t tender after this time, don’t worry—just keep simmering another 15-20 minutes. Patience here pays off with melt-in-your-mouth beef.

Step 4: Thicken and Add Final Touches

Mix cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry, then slowly stir it into the boiling stew to thicken the broth. I usually add a little at a time until the consistency feels just right—thick but still spoonable. Finally, stir in the peas and let them cook for another 5-10 minutes before tasting and adjusting salt and pepper.

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Brown in Batches: Crowding the pot steams the beef instead of browning it—take your time to get that crust.
Slow Simmer is Key: It’s tempting to rush, but low and slow cooking is what makes the beef super tender.
Adjust Thickness Gradually: Add the cornstarch slurry bit by bit to avoid ending up with gluey stew.
Taste and Season at the End: Final seasoning after simmering lets you really dial in the flavor without overdoing it early on.

How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley on top before serving—not just for that pop of green but also for a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Some freshly cracked black pepper on top helps too if you’re a pepper lover like me.

Side Dishes

While this stew is hearty enough on its own, my family loves it partnered with warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of broth. Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad also make excellent sides to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stew in mini bread bowls—impressive but surprisingly easy! Another time, we plated it over buttered egg noodles for something a little different. These little tweaks can really elevate the experience if you’re feeding a crowd or want to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef stew always tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together. I store mine in airtight containers in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for 3-4 days.

Freezing

This stew freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for batch cooking. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly without toughening the beef. Adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick helps refresh the texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While stewing beef is the classic choice because it becomes tender when cooked slowly, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes or brisket. Just be sure to simmer long enough so the meat breaks down and becomes tender.
Is red wine necessary in this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe?

Not at all. The red wine adds a lovely depth and acidity, but you can simply substitute with extra beef broth. The stew will still be rich and delicious without it.
How do I prevent the beef from being tough?

Patience is key—make sure to brown the beef well and then simmer it gently for at least an hour, or longer if needed. This slow cooking breaks down tough fibers to make it tender and juicy.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions first for best flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Hearty Beef Stew Recipe has become my go-to comfort meal—there’s something so satisfying about stirring a pot full of tender chunks of beef and vibrant vegetables on a chilly night. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it finds a cozy spot in your dinner rotation too. Let it simmer, share it with loved ones, and savor every comforting spoonful!