Ultimate Beef Stew

Name: Ultimate Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 cups beef broth; 3 medium carrots, sliced; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Experience the heartwarming flavors of the Ultimate Beef Stew, a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2025-12-23T00:33:35.105Z

This Ultimate Beef Stew is a family favorite, combining tender beef with a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling, perfect for cold nights
Slow-cooked to perfection for deep, rich flavors
Versatile – customize with your favorite vegetables

      

The Perfect Comfort Food

When the temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of beef stew to bring comfort and satisfaction. This Ultimate Beef Stew is designed to warm your heart and fill your stomach, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a dish that is both nourishing and delicious, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to cozy up with a comforting meal.

Every bite of this stew is a celebration of flavors. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and savory broth that enhances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables. This stew is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your table.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the greatest aspects of the Ultimate Beef Stew is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to substitute different vegetables like parsnips, green beans, or mushrooms, or even add some peas for a pop of color. This recipe serves as a great foundation for your culinary creativity, allowing you to make the stew your own.

Additionally, if you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust the seasonings and ingredients based on your family's preferences, ensuring that everyone enjoys a bowl of this hearty stew.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

To achieve the ultimate flavor and tenderness in your beef stew, quality matters. Choose a well-marbled beef chuck, as the fat will break down during the slow cooking process, adding richness to the stew. Don't rush the searing process; browning the meat properly creates a flavorful crust and enhances the depth of flavor in your dish.

Another important tip is to let the stew simmer low and slow. This allows the beef to become fork-tender and ensures that the flavors develop fully. Patience is key when making this stew, so resist the urge to crank up the heat and let it work its magic. The result will be a comforting bowl of stew that's perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 cups beef broth
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Gather all ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Instructions

Sear the Beef

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the seared beef back into the pot along with carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Simmer

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Season and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Enjoy your delicious Ultimate Beef Stew!

Serving Suggestions

Ultimate Beef Stew is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pot. Serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew.

For a cozy, rustic experience, serve the stew in individual bowls topped with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. These simple additions can elevate the dish and make it even more inviting for your guests.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store your Ultimate Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making it taste even better the next day. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions for later use. It can last up to three months in the freezer, just be sure to label your containers with the date.

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up if it has thickened too much. Enjoy this comforting dish any day of the week!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, simply sear the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for extra color and nutrition.

→ Is this stew freezable?

Absolutely! Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months in the freezer.

→ How can I thicken the stew?

You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.