Classic beef stew

Beef Stew Recipe

Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying this beef stew recipe is the definition of comfort food. With tender beef chunks, perfectly simmered vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this traditional beef stew recipe is ideal for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Whether you prefer an easy beef stew recipe on the stove, a slow-cooked version, or a Dutch oven method, every bite brings a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia.

Hearty beef stew
Hearty beef stew

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
  • 4 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 carrots, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons cold water

Directions / How to Cook

  • Brown the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until nicely browned on all sides.
  • Build the flavor base: Dissolve the bouillon cubes in 4 cups of warm water and pour the mixture into the pot. Stir in rosemary, parsley, and black pepper.
  • Simmer to perfection: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for about 1 hour to tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Add vegetables: Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion to the pot. Stir well, cover, and continue simmering for another hour, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
  • Thicken the stew: Combine cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for another 10–15 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  • Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over fluffy biscuits for a heartwarming meal everyone will love.

Pro Tip: For a richer depth of flavor, replace half a cup of water with red wine or add fresh thyme. To make an Irish beef stew recipe, substitute the beef with lamb and add a splash of Guinness or stout beer.

Homemade beef stew
Homemade beef stew

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 10
Yield: 1 large pot of beef stew