If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This stew is a beautiful harmony of tender beef chuck, vibrant vegetables, and robust flavors that simmer into a rich, soul-soothing bowl of goodness. It’s one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your table with happy smiles. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet so infinitely satisfying.

The image shows a close-up of a stew with several layers of chunks of dark brown cooked meat scattered throughout. Large pieces of bright orange carrot and yellow potatoes are mixed in, with some translucent, light brown onion pieces also visible. The stew is in a pot with a shiny, rich reddish-brown sauce coating all the ingredients. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on top, adding contrast in color and freshness to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe lies in using straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the succulent beef chunks to the earthy potatoes and aromatic herbs, every item is essential to crafting the perfect stew.

2 pounds Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the stew, cut into 2-inch chunks with excess fat trimmed for tender, hearty bites.
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances all the savory flavors in the stew.
½ teaspoon Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the taste.
2 tablespoons Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a beautifully thickened stew base (whole wheat flour works for non-gluten-free versions).
2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For browning the beef to lock in flavor and rich color (avocado oil is a great alternative).
½ Yellow Onion (chopped large): Brings natural sweetness and a savory backdrop to the dish.
4 Garlic Cloves (minced): Offers a warm, aromatic punch that elevates every spoonful.
1 Large Carrot (cut into 2-inch chunks): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
2 Yukon Gold Potatoes (diced 2-inch pieces): Provide comforting heartiness with a creamy texture after simmering.
2 Cups Beef Broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
¼ Cup Tomato Paste: Contributes richness and a subtle tang that rounds out the stew’s depth.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory umami complexity for that “just right” taste.
1 Bay Leaf: An aromatic herb that infuses the stew with gentle earthiness.
2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme Leaves: Used as garnish for a fresh, herbal lift.

How to Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Season and Flour the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 325° F. Next, take those beautiful beef chuck chunks and season them generously with kosher salt and coarse black pepper. Then sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the beef and toss it around to coat each piece evenly. This coating will help create that luscious, silky stew texture we all crave.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Brown the seasoned beef chunks in batches, letting them sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them through; this step is all about developing that delicious caramelized crust which adds depth and richness. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

In the same Dutch oven, toss in the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and carrot chunks. Stir everything lovingly as it cooks for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the onion to soften and the garlic to release its fragrant oils. This little saute acts like a flavor foundation, making the stew taste vibrant and inviting.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Liquids

Next, add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those yummy browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot — those bits are pure flavor gold. Give everything a good stir so that all the ingredients start mingling in that flavorful broth.

Step 5: Simmer and Bake the Stew

Bring the stew mixture to a gentle simmer on the stove, then nestle the browned beef back into the pot. Cover your Dutch oven with a lid and carefully transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the stew to cook slowly for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beef is incredibly tender and the flavors have married beautifully. Before serving, pull out the bay leaf and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

The image shows a hearty stew with large brown chunks of beef mixed with thick pieces of golden yellow potatoes and bright orange carrot cubes. There are soft brown pieces of cooked onion scattered throughout, all covered in a shiny reddish-brown sauce. Small green herb leaves lightly decorate the stew, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The food is in a cooking pot placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over each bowl. The fresh herb brightens the stew’s rich flavors and adds a lovely pop of color. If you want, a few sprigs of parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper on top will make it even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This stew is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that savory sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables offer balance. Mashed potatoes make for an extra comfort meal—just spoon the stew on top!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stew inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic, crowd-pleasing presentation. Or, portion it into individual oven-safe ramekins and bake with a puff pastry lid for a charming twist. No matter how you serve it, this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe always feels special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each reheated spoonful even more delicious.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover stew gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much during storage. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring in between to maintain even warmth.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, you can also use beef brisket or round roast. Just be sure to cut it into uniform chunks and allow enough cooking time for the beef to become tender.

Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, parsnips, celery, or peas to customize your stew. Just add softer vegetables later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

How thick should the stew broth be?

The broth should be thick enough to coat your spoon nicely without being overly gelatinous. The flour coating on the beef and the simmering reduce the liquid for a luscious consistency.

What is the best way to serve this stew for a crowd?

Make this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe in a large Dutch oven and keep it warm in a low oven or slow cooker. Serve with plenty of rustic bread and perhaps a big bowl of mashed potatoes for everyone to help themselves.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is truly comfort food at its finest. The process is simple, the ingredients are accessible, and the result is a rich, hearty dish that feels lovingly crafted. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try — it’s a wonderful way to bring warmth, flavor, and a bit of joy to your table any day of the week.

Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe