There’s just something so comforting about a hearty, rich stew bubbling away in your kitchen, isn’t there? This Homemade Beef Stew Recipe offers tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots swimming in a deeply flavorful sauce that warms you from the inside out. It’s definitely a dish worth savoring on a chilly afternoon.

The image shows a close-up of a rich beef stew with several layers: tender dark brown beef chunks, bright orange carrot pieces, and golden yellow potato pieces, all mixed with translucent cooked onion pieces. The thick reddish-brown stew sauce coats everything, with small green herb leaves scattered on top for color and freshness. The dish is in a deep pan on a white marbled surface, showcasing the hearty, rustic texture of the stew. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless stews over the years, but this Homemade Beef Stew Recipe keeps bringing me back because it’s just so straightforward and rewarding. Plus, the kitchen fills with that incredible aroma that makes everyone hungry even before it’s done.

Comfort in a Bowl: Slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth—what’s not to love?
Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff needed, just everyday ingredients that you can easily find.
Flexible and Customizable: You can tweak veggies or seasonings to fit your mood or pantry.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a joy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Homemade Beef Stew Recipe plays a vital role, creating a balanced and hearty dish. The beef chuck is perfect because it gets tender without falling apart, while Yukon Gold potatoes add a creamy texture. Carrots bring a hint of sweetness, and the tomato paste deepens the flavor, making the stew truly soulful.

Flat lay of fresh beef chuck roast cut into 2-inch chunks with no excess fat, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of coarsely ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of gluten-free all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, half a large yellow onion roughly chopped, four whole garlic cloves unpeeled, one large fresh carrot cut into thick chunks, two whole Yukon Gold potatoes diced into large pieces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth tomato paste, one fresh green bay leaf, and a small pile of fresh thyme leaves scattered neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef Chuck Roast: The ideal cut for stew—marbled enough to stay juicy and tender after long cooking.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a lovely, thickened sauce that clings to each bite.
Olive Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing veggies, giving each element a richer flavor.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: Classic aromatics that build the base flavor gently and beautifully.
Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and color that balance the savory beef.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and less starchy, so they keep their shape perfectly in the stew.
Beef Broth: The heart of the stew’s savory liquid—choose a good-quality broth for best results.
Tomato Paste: Gives a punch of umami and rich color to the sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle tangy depth that takes the stew up a notch.
Bay Leaf & Fresh Thyme: The herbs infuse the stew with an earthy warmth and herbaceous note.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I’ve often swapped out veggies depending on what I have in the fridge, and it's always a win. Feel free to play with herbs or even add a splash of red wine for extra depth.

Variation: When I’m short on time, I use a slow cooker to keep it hands-off, and it still comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Seasonal Twists: Roasted parsnips or turnips add a lovely earthy sweetness in fall or winter.
Spice it Up: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne adds a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
Diet Tweaks: Swap potatoes for cauliflower chunks to keep it lower carb but just as satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

A close-up view of a stew in a round black pot filled with three main layers: large chunks of brown cooked meat with a slightly rough texture; bright orange carrot pieces cut into rectangles; and whole yellow potatoes with smooth, shiny skins. These ingredients are submerged in a rich, glossy dark reddish-brown sauce, dotted with small green herb leaves scattered on top. The pot is placed on a round wooden board, next to a grey cloth and a clear pepper grinder, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Flour the Beef

I start by patting the beef chunks dry with paper towels—that helps the seasoning stick and gives a nice sear. Sprinkle the kosher salt and pepper evenly, then toss in the gluten-free flour. This light coating makes the beef develop that gorgeous crust and also thickens the stew later on.

Step 2: Brown the Beef in Batches

Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Don’t rush this part—unlike quick stir-frying, browning well means flavor. Work in batches so the pot stays hot enough to brown the beef nicely on all sides without steaming it. Set browned pieces aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

In the same pot, toss in chopped onions, garlic, and carrots. Stir occasionally so they soften and pick up all those caramelized bits from the beef, which makes everything more flavorful.

Step 4: Add Potatoes, Broth, and Seasonings

Now it’s time to add the potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, fresh thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all those tasty browned bits into the stew—it’s pure gold for flavor.

Step 5: Simmer and Slow-Cook in the Oven

Return the beef back into the pot, cover it up, and pop the Dutch oven into a 325° F preheated oven. The slow cooking for 2 to 2.5 hours means the beef becomes so tender it almost falls apart. It’s well worth the wait!

Step 6: Finish and Taste

When the stew’s done, fish out the bay leaf and give it a good stir. Taste it, then adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes I add a splash more Worcestershire sauce at this point for a final umami kick. Serve piping hot and enjoy.

Top Tip

Over my years of making this stew, I’ve learned that the little details make a huge difference—like browning the beef well and using a Dutch oven for even heat distribution. These tips will help you get this homemade beef stew just right every time.

Don’t Skip Browning: It might seem tedious but browning beef in batches builds the stew’s rich flavor foundation.
Use a Heavy Pot: A Dutch oven or cast iron pot holds and distributes heat evenly, perfect for low and slow cooking.
Scrape to Flavor: When adding liquid, scrape all those browned bits off the pot—they’re flavor gold.
Be Patient: Let the stew cook fully till the beef is tender—it’s what turns this into comfort food magic.

How to Serve Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh thyme leaves right before serving—that bright, herbal note really freshens each bite. Sometimes I add a little chopped parsley or even a swirl of sour cream when I want extra richness.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread—perfect for soaking up the sauce. Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles are also great if you want something extra comforting on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this stew into rustic bread bowls—super fun and impressive. Garnishing with a sprig of thyme and some freshly cracked pepper elevates the presentation instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover stew in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more as it sits, so I often find leftovers tastier than freshly made.

Freezing

This Homemade Beef Stew Recipe freezes really well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming it slowly over low heat to avoid toughening the beef. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if the stew feels too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal due to its balance of tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or round. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as leaner cuts may dry out if overcooked.

Is it necessary to brown the beef before stewing?

Browning the beef creates a rich flavor base through the Maillard reaction. Skipping this step saves time but results in a less complex stew. For best flavor, don’t skip the browning.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce with a splash of balsamic vinegar works well as a substitute, adding that savory tang. You could also try a dash of tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender. This is great for hands-off cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—something I always recommend to friends looking for comfort food that’s actually doable. Trust me, once you make it, those tender beef chunks and savory sauce will have you hooked. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make yourself some cozy magic.