There’s something so comforting about a hearty stew bubbling away on the stove, isn’t there? This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and makes everyone gather around the table, eager for seconds. It’s simple, satisfying, and truly tastes like home.

The image shows a close-up of a rich stew with several layers of chunky ingredients. The top layer includes glossy brown beef pieces with a textured surface, large orange carrot chunks, golden yellow potatoes with a slightly shiny look, and soft pieces of onion that are translucent and light brown. All these ingredients are covered in a thick reddish-brown sauce with visible herbs like small green thyme leaves scattered evenly. The whole dish sits in a white bowl, with the background being a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this beef stew—it was one of those chilly afternoons when I just wanted something warm and filling without fussing over complicated steps. This recipe delivers exactly that: deep, rich flavor with minimal effort.

Super Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already, making it an easy go-to meal.
Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: Slow cooking transforms inexpensive chuck roast into a luscious stew that tastes way fancier than it is.
One-Pot Comfort: Minimal cleanup means you’ll enjoy more time with friends or family instead of scrubbing pots.
Customizable Flavor: You can tweak the herbs or vegetables to match your mood or whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this stew plays its part to create a balanced and hearty dish. The beef chuck roast provides the rich, meaty foundation while the carrots and potatoes add earthiness and texture. Plus, the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce deepen the flavor beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh raw beef chuck roast chunks with some fat trimmed, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small heap of coarsely ground black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of gluten-free all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, half a yellow onion cut into large chunks, four whole unpeeled garlic cloves, a large bright orange carrot cut into thick chunks, two Yukon Gold potatoes diced into large pieces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth deep red tomato paste, one fresh green bay leaf, and a small pile of fresh green thyme leaves, perfectly arranged with balanced spacing and symmetry, 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

Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for stew because it’s flavorful and becomes tender with slow cooking.
Kosher Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour: Coats the beef to help thicken the stew as it cooks.
Olive Oil: Adds richness when browning the beef and vegetables; you can substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
Yellow Onion: Gives a sweet, aromatic base taste that melds perfectly with garlic.
Garlic Cloves: Brings warmth and depth to the stew’s flavor profile.
Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their waxy texture holds up well during slow cooking, giving you perfect morsels of tender potato.
Beef Broth: Forms the savory liquid base—use a good quality broth for the best result.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor that enhances the richness of the stew.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami complexity and a subtle tanginess.
Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle earthiness during cooking—don’t forget to remove before serving!
Fresh Thyme Leaves: Light herbaceous note to brighten up the stew at the end.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is how flexible it is. I love to experiment with different veggies or herbs depending on the season or what I have in my fridge.

Variation: Sometimes I swap in parsnips or sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to add a little sweetness and depth, giving the stew a lovely twist. You can also try adding a splash of red wine before the broth to deepen the flavor profile if you’re feeling fancy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

A close-up of a round black pot filled with a stew showing four main layers: large chunks of dark brown beef pieces with a textured surface, bright orange carrot pieces cut into thick cubes, small yellow whole potatoes, and translucent onion pieces. The stew has a rich reddish-brown broth filling the pot and some small green thyme leaves sprinkled on top. The pot sits on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a grey cloth on the left side and a pepper grinder on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get that Beef Perfectly Ready

First off, I cut the chuck roast into approximately 2-inch chunks, trimming off excess fat. Then I season it well with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Tossing the beef chunks in a bit of gluten-free flour not only helps with browning but also thickens the stew later on—double duty!

Step 2: Brown the Beef Like a Pro

Heat your olive oil in a heavy Dutch oven until shimmering. Brown the beef in batches over medium heat—don’t crowd the pan or it’ll steam instead of sear. Each batch takes about 3-4 minutes per side. This step seals in flavor and gives the stew an amazing depth.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

After setting the beef aside, add chopped onion, garlic, and carrot to the pot. Cooking for 2-3 minutes until caramelized brings extra sweetness and rounds out the flavor. Don’t rush this step—it makes a noticeable difference!

Step 4: Build the Stew Base

Add potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and fresh thyme right in. Give the bottom of the pot a good scrape with a wooden spoon to lift all those tasty browned bits into your stew—it’s flavor gold!

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Return the browned beef to the pot, cover it, and pop it in a preheated oven at 325°F. Let it cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours. The meat will become incredibly tender, and the flavors meld beautifully. Once it’s done, remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.

Top Tip

After making this stew dozens of times, I learned a few tricks that really elevate the dish and ensure smooth sailing in the kitchen.

Browning is Key: Don't skip the browning step or rush it—searing the beef develops flavor that turns your stew from good to unforgettable.
Don’t Overcrowd: Brown the beef in batches so the meat caramelizes properly instead of steaming.
Use a Dutch Oven: A heavy pan holds heat evenly, meaning your stew cooks beautifully without hot spots.
Patience Pays Off: The low and slow cooking method breaks down tough fibers, so resist the temptation to speed it up for best tenderness.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top because they add a bright freshness that contrasts the rich stew. Sometimes I grate a little Parmesan or add a dollop of sour cream to mix up the creaminess—both really enhance the experience.

Side Dishes

This stew is pretty much a one-dish wonder, but I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop, or a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve ladled this stew into mini cast iron skillets or even bread bowls—both make the meal feel festive and cozy. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a swirl of crème fraîche right before serving adds polish without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and honestly, the flavors deepen overnight making the stew even better the next day. It lasts well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This beef stew freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and it keeps for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

While beef chuck roast is best for its balance of flavor and tenderness after slow cooking, you can use other stew-friendly cuts like brisket or short ribs. Just make sure they’re suitable for long, slow cooking to avoid toughness.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before stewing?

Browning the beef is highly recommended because it adds depth and complexity to the stew’s flavor through caramelization. Although you can skip it for convenience, the end result won’t be as rich or deeply flavored.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender. Adjust liquid as needed since slow cookers retain moisture differently than ovens.

How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?

If your stew feels a bit thin after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered on the stove to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, stir in a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water and cook a few more minutes until it thickens.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those timeless comfort foods that never disappoints. It’s satisfying to make, even more satisfying to eat, and brings a sense of warmth to any table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it really is the kind of recipe you keep coming back to.