Description

This Classic Beef Stew is a cozy, hearty dinner packed with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and a rich savory broth. It is an easy recipe for cold nights, family dinner, meal prep, comfort food ideas, and simple dinner ideas when you want a filling homemade meal that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped

2 celery stalks, sliced

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons tomato paste

4 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

4 medium carrots, cut into chunks

1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into chunks

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Pat the beef dry, then toss it with flour, salt, and black pepper until lightly coated.

2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches. Transfer the browned beef to a plate.

3. Add onion and celery to the same pot and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, scraping up the browned bits.

4. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in a splash of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot, then add the remaining broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.

6. Return the beef and juices to the pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

7. Add carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms. Cover and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes, until the beef and vegetables are tender.

8. Remove the bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes if a thicker stew is desired.

9. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use beef chuck for the best tender texture after simmering.

Brown the beef in batches so it sears instead of steaming.

Let leftovers cool fully before refrigerating, then reheat gently with a splash of broth if needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American comfort food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 465
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: classic beef stew, beef stew, easy dinner, dinner ideas, comfort food, hearty stew, beef chuck recipe, meal prep dinner