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| A hearty homemade beef stew packed with flavor and tender ingredients |
🥩 Best Classic Beef Stew Recipe – Rich, Tender & Easy Comfort Food
Looking for the ultimate beef stew recipe that’s rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to make? This classic dish is a staple in American kitchens and perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings.
This homemade beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and a deep, flavorful gravy that warms you from the inside out. Whether you're cooking on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using a Dutch oven, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results at home.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
👨🍳 Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor.
🧄 Step 2: Cook Aromatics
Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
🍲 Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in tomato paste and flour. Mix well, then slowly add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
🥕 Step 4: Add Vegetables
Add carrots, potatoes, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf.
⏳ Step 5: Simmer
Cover and let simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
💡 Pro Tips
- Use beef chuck for the best tenderness
- Slow cooking = deeper flavor
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra richness
- It tastes even better the next day 😍
❓ FAQ
🔹 What is the best meat for beef stew?
Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender and juicy during slow cooking.
🔹 How do you make beef stew thicker?
Use flour, cornstarch, or let the stew simmer longer to naturally reduce the sauce.
🔹 Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
🔹 Can you freeze beef stew?
Absolutely. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
