Hearty Beef Stew is a warm, filling dish made with tender beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and onions in a tasty broth. It’s perfect for chilly days and brings comfort with every spoonful.
I like making this stew on weekends because it fills the kitchen with a cozy smell. It’s almost like a hug in a bowl—my favorite kind of meal after a busy day.
For a quick meal, I sometimes use frozen vegetables. Just toss them in near the end for added color and flavor without extra prep time!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for stew because it’s beefy and becomes tender with slow cooking. I like to cut it into chunks for even cooking. If you can’t find chuck, brisket or round also work well but might need slightly longer cooking.
Onions: Onions add sweetness and depth to the broth. I always dice them small so they dissolve into the sauce. Try shallots or leeks as a mild substitute if you want a different flavor but keep some onion-like taste.
Carrots: Carrots provide sweetness and color. I peel and chop them into chunks for a hearty bite. Parsnips or sweet potatoes are good swaps for a slightly different flavor and texture, just chop them to similar sizes.
Potatoes: These thicken the stew and add heartiness. Russets are great because they fall apart into the broth, thickening it naturally. Sweet potatoes are a tasty alternative for a sweeter touch, just peel and cube.
Beef broth: The base for rich flavor. I like to use low-sodium so I can control the salt. Vegetable broth works if you want a lighter or vegetarian option, but the flavor will be a bit different.
How do I sear beef without it drying out?
First, pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels — moisture makes it stew instead of sear. Heat a heavy pot over medium-high heat until hot, add oil, then place beef in a single layer. Don’t move it around — let it develop a brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat.
- Once browned, remove the beef and set aside. This step seals in juices and adds flavor.
- Then, sauté vegetables in the same pan for extra flavor before adding liquids and simmering.
How to Make Hearty Beef Stew?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
How Much Time Will You Need?
15 minutes prep + 2 hours cooking + 0 minutes resting = about 2 hours and 15 minutes total
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the beef
Heat oil in a large pot. Brown the beef cubes on all sides over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add carrots and potatoes, cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Combine ingredients
Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth. Stir in salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer the stew
Reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until beef is tender and flavors meld.
5. Serve the stew
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls with bread or over rice.
