A hearty, comforting, and flavorful Beef Stew is a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it's a chilly night or you're craving something filling, this easy homemade beef stew recipe is your go-to. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s the ideal meal to serve family and friends. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a warm, delicious stew in no time.

---

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔️ Hearty & Filling – A complete meal in one bowl.
✔️ Easy to Make – No need for complicated techniques.
✔️ Comfort Food – Warm, rich flavors perfect for cold nights.
✔️ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or seasonings.
✔️ Meal Prep Friendly – Make it in advance and enjoy leftovers for days.

---

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra beef broth)
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

3. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute.

Step 3: Add Liquids & Seasoning

5. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, water, and red wine (if using). Bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
6. Return the browned beef to the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

7. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Optional Thickening

8. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken.

Step 6: Serve

9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves.
10. Serve the stew hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

---

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbs: ~30g
• Fat: ~15g
• Fiber: ~4g
• Sugar: ~5g

---

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

✔️ Brown the Meat Well – Don’t rush the browning process; it adds great flavor to the stew.
✔️ Use Beef Chuck – This cut of meat is ideal for stews as it becomes tender with slow cooking.
✔️ Add More Veggies – Feel free to toss in peas, parsnips, or celery to enhance flavor and texture.
✔️ For Extra Flavor – Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a couple of drops of hot sauce for a kick.
✔️ Thicken the Stew – For a creamier texture, add a spoonful of sour cream or heavy cream at the end of cooking.

---

What to Serve with Beef Stew

🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes – A classic side that pairs well with the stew.
🥗 Green Salad – A light and refreshing side to balance the richness of the stew.