Winter days call for something warm and filling, and beef stew always hits the spot. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic beef stew recipes that are perfect for a cozy meal at home.
Whether you like a classic stew or something with a bit more zing, you’ll find a delicious option here. Get ready to enjoy some comforting food!
Jump to Recipe:
Hearty Beef Stew for Comfort
This classic beef stew recipe is wonderfully comforting and packed with good ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel warm from the inside out.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Beef Stew
- Browning the Beef: Don’t skip this step! It adds a lot of deep taste to your stew. Make sure your pot is hot.
- Thickening the Stew: A little flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water can help make your stew thicker right at the end.
What You Need for Hearty Beef Stew
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 2 hours 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Hearty Beef Stew
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the hot pot and brown it on all sides. Do this in batches if needed, so you don’t crowd the pot. Take out the browned beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook Vegetables and Simmer
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook them until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the liquid to a light boil, then return the beef to the pot. Add the thyme. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Finish
Add the diced potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer for another 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like. Serve warm.
📝 Final Note
This stew tastes even better the next day! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Easy Mississippi Beef Stew in Your Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for a simple beef stew with a unique taste, this Mississippi Beef Stew is for you. It uses a few clever ingredients for a rich, easy meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Mississippi Beef Stew
- Ranch Seasoning: This mix adds a lot of herbal goodness without extra effort. Any brand of dry ranch dressing mix works well.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These bring a nice tang and a little bit of heat. Don’t worry, they aren’t too spicy, and you can add more or less to your liking.
What You Need for Mississippi Beef Stew
- 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (0.6 oz) dry au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (with some juice)
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- Potatoes and carrots (optional, for a complete stew)
⏱️ Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Mississippi Beef Stew
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Place the beef chuck roast chunks into your slow cooker. If you are adding potatoes and carrots, put them in now around the beef.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Cook
Sprinkle the dry ranch dressing mix and the dry au jus gravy mix evenly over the beef. Pour in the water or beef broth. Scatter the sliced pepperoncini peppers and some of their juice over everything. Place the butter slices on top of the beef.
Step 3: Slow Cook and Serve
Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Once cooked, you can gently shred the beef right in the pot. Serve this warm stew on its own or with mashed potatoes.
📝 Final Note
This stew is fantastic over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. You can also make sandwiches with the shredded beef!
