Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

When the days get chilly and the evenings stretch long, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, savory beef stew to warm both your hands and your heart. This recipe delivers tender beef, rich broth, and a medley of vegetables that combine into one unforgettable, comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this stew earns its title as the “best ever.”

Why This Beef Stew Stands Out

What makes this stew exceptional isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the method. Slow-cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully:

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef
Rich, savory broth that’s perfectly seasoned
Fresh vegetables that stay hearty without becoming mushy
Easy to prepare, but impressive enough for guests

The result is a stew that feels like it’s been simmering for hours, even if you make it in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients

For the Stew

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 cups red wine (optional, adds depth)
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
4 medium potatoes, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

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Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley

Crusty bread for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.

Brown them in batches until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

3. Deglaze the Pot

Pour in red wine (or a splash of broth) to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

4. Build the Stew

Return beef to the pot.

Add beef broth, carrots, celery, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

5. Simmer to Perfection

Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked.

6. Final Touches

Remove bay leaves.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

Choose the right cut of beef: Chuck roast or stew meat works best for tenderness.

Don’t rush the browning: It builds the stew’s deep, rich flavor.

Optional thickening: For a thicker broth, mix 1–2 tbsp flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir in at the end.

Make ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot in deep bowls with crusty bread for dipping.

Pair with a simple green salad for balance.

Top with a dollop of sour cream or grated cheese for extra richness.

Final Thoughts

This Best Ever Beef Stew isn’t just food—it’s comfort in a bowl. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. Once you try it, this stew will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for cold nights or whenever you crave a touch of culinary warmth.

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Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe

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