If you have ever longed for that comforting, rich, melt-in-your-mouth meal that hugs you from the inside, then you are about to fall head over heels for this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that brings together tender beef chunks, vibrant vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. Every spoonful is like a warm welcome home, perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply crave the coziness of a dish made with love. This recipe is straightforward enough for weeknights yet hearty enough to impress anyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of chopped vegetables on a white marbled surface. There are three types of vegetables arranged in sections: at the top are bright orange carrot pieces cut into small triangular shapes, on the left side are large pieces of white onion with smooth layers, and the rest of the image is filled with beige-colored potatoes, some whole with small cuts on top and others chopped into chunks. The vegetables have a fresh and clean look with natural textures visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to an unforgettable stew. Each component in this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe plays a vital role, from building the rich umami base to adding texture and color that will make your plate irresistible.

2 pounds Beef Chuck Roast: The perfect cut for slow cooking, providing tenderness and rich flavor when cooked into chunks.
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the stew.
½ teaspoon Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth without overpowering the dish.
2 tablespoons Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the stew’s broth for a luscious, hearty texture.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef and softening veggies, contributing a lovely golden crust and flavor.
½ Yellow Onion, Chopped Large: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth as it slowly cooks down.
4 Garlic Cloves, minced: Infuses the stew with warmth and complexity.
1 Large Carrot, cut into 2-inch chunks: Brings a natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
2 Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced into 2-inch pieces: Offers creamy texture and heartiness, soaking up the stew’s delicious juices.
2 Cups Beef Broth: The savory liquid base that ties everything together with deep beefy flavor.
¼ Cup Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a slight tang to balance the stew’s savory profile.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts umami notes and brings a subtle tanginess.
1 Bay Leaf: Adds an herbal aroma that penetrates deeply during simmering.
2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme Leaves: Used as garnish, lending a fresh, earthy lift to finish the stew beautifully.

How to Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef chuck roast and cutting it into 2-inch chunks. Season generously with kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper to build foundational flavor before cooking. This early seasoning ensures every bite is perfectly savory.

Step 2: Dredge Beef in Flour

Lightly coat each beef chunk with gluten-free all-purpose flour. This simple step is crucial as it helps create a luscious, silky texture by thickening the stew as it simmers, making your broth wonderfully rich.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add the beef chunks in batches. Sear until each piece gets a lovely brown crust, which locks in juices and flavors essential for that deep stew taste. Remove the seared beef and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat slightly, then add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until onions soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet, fragrant flavors, which form the base of the stew’s delicious aroma.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Liquids

Return the browned beef to the pot along with carrot chunks, diced potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything well so the tomato paste blends evenly, giving the stew a robust color and tangy depth.

Step 6: Simmer with Bay Leaf

Add the bay leaf and bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. The slow simmering melds all those flavors into a harmonious, comforting stew.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

A black pan filled with three layers: the bottom layer has chopped white onions, the middle layer shows large bright orange carrot slices, and the top layer is made of browned chunks of meat with a slightly crispy texture, all mixed together. Next to the pan on a white marbled surface are a white spoon with dark brown sauce, a white bowl with red paste, a small sprig of green herb, a bay leaf, and a wooden dish holding peeled, cut yellow potatoes. A white cloth is partially visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your stew look as vibrant as it tastes, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top just before serving. The bright herbal notes add a refreshing contrast to the rich beef and vegetables.

Side Dishes

This beef stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but serving it alongside crusty bread or a warm biscuit takes it to another level. The bread is perfect for mopping up the flavorful broth, while a crisp green salad balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stew in individual bread bowls or over creamy mashed potatoes. You can also garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra indulgence that your friends and family will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beef stew tastes even better the next day once the flavors have mingled further. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy quick, comforting meals anytime.

Freezing

This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your stew gently on the stove over low heat to keep the beef tender and the vegetables intact. Adding a splash of beef broth or water while reheating can bring back that perfect, hearty consistency.

FAQs

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

While beef chuck roast is ideal for its balance of fat and tenderness when slow cooked, you can also use brisket or short ribs, though cooking times and textures may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to coat the beef with flour?

Coating the beef in flour helps thicken the stew naturally and aids in developing a flavorful crust during searing, which greatly enhances the texture and richness of the final dish.

How long does the stew need to simmer?

Simmering for about 2 hours on low heat ensures that the beef becomes tender and the vegetables absorb all the savory flavors, but you can cook longer for even more tender meat.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. For Instant Pot, use the sauté function and then pressure cook for about 35 minutes.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme can be used as a substitute, but add it during cooking rather than as a garnish, since fresh thyme adds a brighter, livelier flavor when sprinkled on at serving time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your go-to comfort foods, blending simple ingredients into a truly satisfying dish. It’s a wonderful way to share warmth and good flavors with family and friends, no matter the season. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every delicious moment this stew has to offer!