When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a hearty beef stew simmering away in the oven. This isn’t just any stew; it’s a recipe that draws on rich flavors from tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and a medley of herbs that awaken your senses. Just the thought of those bay leaves infusing warmth into the dish makes me feel at home—especially after a long day.
As I rummaged through my pantry recently, I found the perfect ingredients waiting to come together in a bubbling cauldron of deliciousness. The best part? This beef stew is an incredible blend of simplicity and depth, transforming humble ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that effortlessly brings loved ones together around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone seeking to rediscover the joys of homemade food, this recipe offers an inviting escape from the usual fast-food fare. Let’s dive into creating a dish that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why is this beef stew your new favorite?
Heartwarming Aroma: There’s nothing like the heavenly scent of beef stew filling your home, evoking feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich herbs, tender beef, and flavorful vegetables ensures a savory experience that warms your heart.
Simplicity at Its Finest: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delightful dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: This stew is perfect for family gatherings, making it easy to impress guests with minimal effort.
One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup without sacrificing flavor makes this a go-to recipe after a busy day!
Dive into this incredible beef stew recipe and discover the joys of homemade cooking and its delightful flavors, just like how to make a classic stew.
Beef Stew Ingredients
• Get ready to create a cozy masterpiece!
For the Vegetable Base
- Celery sticks – adds a crunchy texture and aromatic depth that enhances the beef stew.
- Onion – the perfect foundation for sweetness and layered flavors in your stew.
- Carrots – their natural sweetness balances the richness of the beef and adds a pop of color.
- Bay leaves – infuse a wonderfully earthy aroma into your beef stew, making it even more comforting.
- Thyme sprigs – fresh thyme brings a fragrant herbal note that brightens the overall dish.
For the Cooking Fat
- Vegetable oil – a neutral base that helps sauté the vegetables while maintaining their individual flavors.
- Butter – adds a rich creaminess, enhancing the stew’s overall taste and mouthfeel.
For Thickening and Flavoring
- Plain flour – helps create a silky sauce by thickening the stew as it simmers.
- Tomato purée – contributes rich depth and a slight acidity, brightening the overall flavor profile.
- Worcestershire sauce – gives a savory umami kick that amplifies the taste of the beef.
- Beef stock cubes – provide a concentrated beef flavor that brings the stew to life!
For the Star Ingredient
- Stewing beef – choose featherblade or brisket for the best tenderness and flavor, melting in your mouth as you enjoy.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to a soul-warming beef stew that will delight your family and friends!
How to Make Beef Stew
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Preheat your oven: Start by heating your oven to 160°C (140°C for fan-assisted) or gas mark 3. This warm environment is essential for cooking the beef stew to perfection.
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Sauté the base ingredients: In a flameproof casserole dish, combine 2 thickly sliced celery sticks, 1 chopped onion, and 2 chunkily sliced carrots with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sauté these lovely veggies for about 10 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Incorporate the flour: Stir in 2 tablespoons of plain flour until everything looks well-coated and no dustiness remains. This will help create that delightful thick sauce you want in your beef stew.
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Add the flavor boosters: Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato purée, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and the crumbled 2 beef stock cubes. These ingredients will amp up the flavor profile, making your stew truly irresistible.
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Add the beef and water: Gradually stir in 600ml of hot water, then add in 850g of stewing beef. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You’ll see the magic starting to happen!
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Cook in the oven: Cover your casserole dish and place it in the preheated oven. Let it cook for 2 hours and 30 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened nicely.
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Garnish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle with the picked leaves of the remaining thyme sprig for a fresh finish.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread for a heartier meal!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Beef Stew?
When it comes to a warm, comforting beef stew, you’re not just nourishing your body; you’re creating a delightful dining experience for everyone at the table.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of that rich stew, crusty bread adds a satisfying texture and complements the hearty flavors.
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they provide a smooth, comforting contrast to the robust stew, enhancing each bite with velvety goodness.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy edges and slight bitterness balance the rich, savory stew while adding a pop of color to your meal.
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Green Salad: A fresh, lightly dressed salad introduces brightness and crunch, cutting through the stew’s richness and rejuvenating the palate.
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Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender and vibrant, steamed green beans offer a complementary fresh flavor and a wonderfully contrasting texture to the stew.
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Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine enriches the meal, its tannins pairing beautifully with the meaty depth of the beef stew.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp will bring sweetness and a touch of nostalgia, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Elevate your mealtime with these perfect accompaniments for a truly memorable beef stew experience!
How to Store and Freeze Beef Stew
Fridge: Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep it fresh.
Freezer: Beef stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, then label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen beef stew, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Room Temperature: If you’re serving beef stew at a gathering, keep it out for no more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and quality.
Make Ahead Options
These beef stew components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts juggling busy schedules! You can chop the vegetables (celery, onion, and carrots) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can season the beef and let it marinate overnight for enhanced flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy your hearty beef stew, simply follow the cooking instructions from step 1 onward, mixing in your prepped ingredients, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy a comforting homemade meal with minimal effort, just as delicious and warming as if made fresh that day!
Beef Stew Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this comforting beef stew recipe with these delightful twists!
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Red Wine: Add 1 cup of red wine while cooking for a rich, robust flavor that elevates the whole dish.
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or peas for enhanced nutrition and delightful textures.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a warm, spicy finish that excites the taste buds.
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Herb Twist: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley for a unique flavor profile that adds freshness.
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Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for olive oil and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is vegan for a dairy-free option that retains all its comfort.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or add some diced bacon at the start for a smoky depth that brings extra warmth.
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Coconut Milk: For a twist, replace some of the water with coconut milk to create a creamy stew that adds a hint of tropical flavor.
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Slow Cooker: Adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours, so the beef turns meltingly tender without any fuss.
Feel empowered to mix and match these variations, creating a beef stew that reflects your personal taste and style!
Expert Tips for Beef Stew
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Choose Your Beef Wisely: Opt for tougher cuts like featherblade or brisket. They break down beautifully during slow cooking, making for a tender beef stew.
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Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time when softening the vegetables before adding flour. This step enhances the flavor base, creating a richer stew.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure the beef pieces are not overcrowded in the pan while searing. Browning them properly contributes to a deeper, more savory flavor in your beef stew.
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Adjust the Liquid: If the stew seems too thick after cooking, you can gradually add more water until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your stew before serving! A pinch more salt or a dash of Worcestershire sauce might take the flavor to the next level.
Beef Stew Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right vegetables for my beef stew?
Absolutely! For a flavorful beef stew, opt for firm vegetables like carrots and celery, which hold their structure during cooking. Choose fresh, vibrant veggies—look for bright, unblemished carrots and crisp celery. If the celery shows dark spots all over, it’s best to leave it behind!
How should I store leftover beef stew?
Very! Transfer your leftover beef stew to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It can last up to 3 days in the fridge. Ensure it cools off fully before sealing to maintain quality, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently on the stove for a delicious meal!
Can I freeze beef stew, and if so, how?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your beef stew effectively, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some room at the top for expansion during freezing—this is key for avoiding any messy spills. Label the containers with the date, and you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to savor it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What should I do if my beef stew turned out too thick?
No worries! If your beef stew is too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency. Start by adding small amounts of hot water or beef broth, stirring gently until you reach the desired thickness. If it’s still too thick after that, add a bit more liquid gradually—just remember to taste as you go to ensure the flavor stays balanced!
Is this beef stew recipe suitable for my dog?
Absolutely! While this beef stew is packed with ingredients that are safe for dogs—like carrots and beef—you should avoid the onions and any large herb stems that could be difficult for them to digest. It’s always a good idea to check with your vet to ensure it’s safe for your furry friend before sharing!
Can I adjust this beef stew recipe for dietary restrictions?
Very! If you need to make this beef stew gluten-free, simply swap out the plain flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or beans, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock cubes. Adapt it as needed, and feel free to get creative with your ingredients!
Hearty Beef Stew That Will Warm Your Soul Every Time
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C for fan-assisted) or gas mark 3.
- In a flameproof casserole dish, combine celery, onion, and carrots with vegetable oil and butter. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in flour until everything looks well-coated and no dustiness remains.
- Mix in tomato purée, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled beef stock.
- Gradually stir in hot water, then add stewing beef. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the dish and place in the oven. Cook for 2 hours and 30 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Before serving, garnish with picked thyme leaves.