Easy Homemade Beef Stew

Name: Easy Homemade Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces; 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening); 2 cups small potatoes, quartered (or 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced); 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

By Maya Ellison

Published on October 22, 2025

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There is something deeply satisfying about a rich, slow-simmered dish on a chilly evening. My Easy Homemade Beef Stew recipe delivers that magic effortlessly. The beef cooks down until it is unbelievably fork-tender, practically melting into the savory, thick broth. Every bite bursts with garden-fresh vegetables and deep herbaceous notes.

I often make a big batch of this comfort food on Sunday afternoons. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have really married. This hearty stew becomes a cherished part of our busy weekly rotation. It proves that classic meals do not need complicated steps.

Why I Love This Recipe

I truly adore this particular Easy Homemade Beef Stew. It checks every box for me as a busy home cook. Mostly, I value how hands-off it becomes once it starts simmering away. Seriously, the minimal active time makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Furthermore, the deep, complex flavor surprises everyone. They think it took hours of fuss.

Flavor Factor: True, slow-braised richness shines through.
Weeknight Wonder: Great flavor for low effort.
Guest Impressor: Always earns rave reviews from visitors.

Easy Homemade Beef Stew Ingredients

Gathering these simple components is half the fun of making this stew. Together, these ingredients transform into that quintessential, soul-soothing American classic. It is truly amazing what humble pantry staples can achieve with a little time.

Beef Chuck: This is our star, providing incredible richness and that perfect shreddable texture.
Olive Oil: Used primarily for achieving a beautiful, flavorful brown crust on the meat.
Onion, Carrots, and Celery: These aromatics build the indispensable flavor backbone of the stew.
Garlic: A quick burst of pungent warmth for depth.
Beef Broth: The primary liquid that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: They add essential acidity and richness to balance the beef.
Thyme and Rosemary: These dried herbs lend that traditional, earthy, comforting essence.
Flour: Our secret weapon for thickening the sauce into a luxurious gravy.
Potatoes: Starchy gems that soak up all the delicious broth while they soften.
Frozen Peas: Added last for a pop of color and sweetness.

Substitutions and Tips

I always encourage kitchen flexibility. Do you lack fresh carrots? Feel free to use frozen mixed vegetables instead. Sometimes I swap out dried thyme for fresh, then use a little more. For an extra savory punch, deglaze the pan with half a cup of dry red wine before adding broth. Remember, perfect browning equals fantastic flavor depth in any
Easy Homemade Beef Stew.

How to Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew

Making this Easy Homemade Beef Stew follows a satisfying, logical progression. We build flavor layer by careful layer. Follow these simple steps closely. You will achieve that restaurant-quality result right at home. Patience during the browning stages pays off handsomely later.

Step 1: Preparing and Searing the Beef

First, grab your beef cubes. Pat them really dry with paper towels. This step is super important for a good sear. Next, just season them well with salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in your heavy pot. Brown the beef well in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, please. Turn the beef pieces after about three minutes per side. Set the nicely browned beef aside on a clean plate. This process locks in all the savory flavor.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics

Now, add the remaining oil to the warm pot. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery pieces. Cook these vegetables slowly until they soften up nicely. This usually takes about five to seven minutes. Then, stir in your minced garlic quickly. Cook the garlic for just one more minute until it smells fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn; that ruins everything!

Step 3: Creating the Flavor Base

Time to thicken things up a bit. Sprinkle the two tablespoons of flour over the softened vegetables. Stir everything constantly for a minute or two. We are cooking out that raw flour taste. Now, whisk in the beef broth very slowly. Make sure you scrape up any browned bits on the pot bottom. These brown bits hold so much deep flavor. Stir in the tomatoes, paste, thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf now.

Step 4: Simmering for Tenderness

Place your seared beef pieces back into the pot. Add those quartered potatoes right on top. Bring this whole mixture up to a gentle simmer slowly. Immediately reduce the heat way down to low. Cover your pot securely with a lid on top. Let this hearty stew cook slowly for one and a half to two hours. The beef should become incredibly tender by the end. Low and slow cooking creates magic here.

Step 5: Finishing the Stew

Once the beef breaks apart easily, it is nearly done. Carefully remove and discard that bay leaf. Stir in your cup of frozen peas now. Cook for about five more minutes. Just heat them through completely. Finally, taste your rich stew. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed for your preference. Your delicious Easy Homemade Beef Stew is now ready!

How to Store Easy Homemade Beef Stew

Storing leftovers is simple, which is great for busy schedules. Keep your cooked Easy Homemade Beef Stew in airtight containers. Refrigerate it for up to four days easily. This stew freezes beautifully too. Use freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop. Always check the seasoning level after reheating.

Tips for Success

Patience Pays Off: Do not rush the initial beef browning step. It builds the maximum flavor foundation.
Use Beef Chuck: This cut holds up best against long simmering times. It becomes wonderfully tender.
Check Simmer: Keep the heat very low during braising. You want gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
Herb Choice: If using fresh rosemary, use slightly less, as it is very potent.
Thickening Check: If the stew seems thin after simmering, mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water. Stir this slurry in slowly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot: Essential for even heat distribution during simmering.
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Necessary for prepping all the vegetables and beef chunks.
Large Spoon or Ladle: Useful for stirring the thick stew base.
Paper Towels: Crucial for drying the beef before searing, improving the crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty Easy Homemade Beef Stew hot with crusty bread for dipping.
A simple side salad adds a nice, fresh contrast to the richness.
Consider a dollop of sour cream or fresh parsley for presentation.
This pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.

Categorized in:

Soups

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