Best Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Hearty beef stew simmered with potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich gravy is a family comfort classic. This high protein, freezer-friendly meal is deeply satisfying on cold evenings.

Cook 150 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal
#high protein #comfort food #freezer friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes 2 lbs
  • Russet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 cups
  • Carrots, sliced 1.5 cups
  • Yellow onion, chopped 1 cup
  • Celery, sliced 0.5 cup
  • All-purpose flour 0.25 cup
  • Olive oil 2 tbsp
  • Low-sodium beef broth 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Tomato paste 2 tbsp
  • Bay leaf 1 piece
  • Worcestershire sauce 1.5 tbsp
  • Garlic, minced 3 cloves
  • Salt 1 tsp
  • Black pepper 0.75 tsp
  • Dried thyme 1 tsp
  • Fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 24 g 25%
Protein 27 g 28%
Fat 17 g 39%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels and toss with flour, salt, and half the pepper until well coated.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches (don’t overcrowd), searing each side for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a plate. Do not wipe out the pot.

  3. 3

    Add chopped onions and celery to the same pot; sauté over medium heat until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Return the browned beef and accumulated juices to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, dried thyme, and remaining pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    Add potatoes and carrots. Stir, cover, and continue simmering for 45–60 more minutes, or until the meat and vegetables are fork-tender and the stew has thickened.

  6. 6

    Remove bay leaf, skim any excess fat, and adjust seasoning with salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this beef stew recipe?
The core ingredient that shapes the stew's hearty flavor and texture is beef chuck. Its marbling ensures tender bites after slow simmering, while also enriching the gravy with robust beefy depth. Potatoes, carrots, and onions further round out the dish and add classic stew character.
Q. What cooking technique ensures tender beef in this recipe?
Searing the beef cubes first over medium-high heat locks in flavor and starts the browning process, while long, gentle simmering (at low heat for nearly two hours) ensures the beef becomes fall-apart tender without drying out.
Q. How do I prevent the stew from becoming too thin or too thick?
Dredging the beef in flour before browning helps develop body in the stew as it simmers. To avoid a watery result, simmer the stew uncovered for the last 15 minutes if it needs thickening, or add a splash of extra broth if it thickens excessively.
Q. What is the nutritional profile of one serving?
Each serving (320g) contains approximately 390 kcal, 24g of carbohydrates (25% calories), 27g of protein (28%), and 17g of fat (39%), making it a high-protein, balanced meal suitable for family dinners.
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