If you are craving a warm and satisfying meal that truly feels like a hug in a bowl, this Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is the answer. Loaded with tender, perfectly browned beef chunks, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this stew is a comforting classic that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week, the blend of fresh herbs, savory broth, and melt-in-your-mouth ingredients will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this timeless favorite that brings the best of home cooking to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this stew plays a vital role in crafting a hearty, satisfying meal. From the rich beef to the earthy vegetables, every element adds depth in flavor, texture, and visual appeal to this simple yet timeless dish.
- Vegetable oil: Helps brown the beef nicely, creating a flavorful crust that enhances the stew’s richness.
- Beef stew meat: The star protein, tenderized slowly to melt in your mouth with each bite.
- Beef bouillon cubes: Intensify the broth’s savory depth, making the stew richer and more satisfying.
- Water: The base for your broth, transforming the bouillon and beef juices into a comforting sauce.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant, piney note that complements the beef beautifully.
- Dried parsley: Brings a subtle freshness and gentle herbal aroma.
- Ground black pepper: Provides just the right hint of spice to balance flavors.
- Potatoes: Absorb the rich broth and add creamy texture.
- Carrots: Sweeten the stew naturally while adding vibrant color.
- Celery stalks: Bring a mild crunch and aromatic complexity.
- Onion: Creates a savory base flavor and a hint of sweetness once cooked down.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the stew to a luscious consistency, giving it a hearty finish.
- Cold water (for slurry): Necessary to mix with cornstarch to prevent lumps and ensure smooth thickening.
How to Make Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Adding the cubed beef stew meat and browning it on all sides is essential for developing that deep, rich flavor base in your Homemade Beef Stew Recipe. Take your time here—this caramelization is where a ton of flavor lives, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Prepare Broth and Simmer
Next, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in water to create a savory broth, then add it to the pot with your browned beef. Stir in rosemary, parsley, and black pepper. Bring everything up to a boil to kick-start the melding of flavors, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for about an hour. This slow simmer not only tenderizes the beef but also allows those herbs and spices to infuse deeply into the meat and broth.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
After the beef has cooked for an hour and developed tender juiciness, it’s time to add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. These vegetables not only boost the flavor but also add color and texture that make each spoonful delightful. Cover and continue simmering on low so the vegetables soften perfectly without losing their identity in the stew.
Step 4: Thicken the Stew
To finish, create a slurry by dissolving cornstarch in cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew. This step is key for achieving that signature thick and luscious stew consistency. Let everything cook another hour while the flavors come together and the vegetables become tender. Your Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is now ready to warm your heart!
How to Serve Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme can brighten the dish, adding a fresh herbal pop that contrasts beautifully with the rich, meaty stew. A dusting of cracked black pepper on top right before serving can enhance the aroma and add a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful broth, or a buttery mashed potato side if you want to double down on comforting starches. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a nice balance to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homemade Beef Stew Recipe in charming individual bowls or rustic bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing presentation. For a cozy touch, top each serving with a small dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of grated sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the perfect way to add an extra layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your stew into airtight containers and refrigerate. It stays delicious and safe to eat for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen even more overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable as fresh.
Freezing
This Homemade Beef Stew Recipe freezes beautifully—just portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep at its best for up to 3 months, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Gently reheat the stew on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew is too thick after storage, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Microwave reheating is fine, but stirring periodically helps retain that smooth, rich texture.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this Homemade Beef Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! After browning the beef, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Add the vegetables halfway through cooking for the best texture.
What cut of beef is best for stew?
Chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling works wonderfully because the fat breaks down during slow cooking, making the beef tender and flavorful.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with parsnips, turnips, peas, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind their cooking times so everything comes out perfectly tender.
How do I make the stew thicker without cornstarch?
You can use flour instead by mixing it with oil to create a roux, or let the stew reduce uncovered toward the end to naturally thicken the broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free bouillon cubes and cornstarch (which is naturally gluten-free), this recipe is safe for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a homemade meal that comforts the soul and satisfies a hungry crew, and this Homemade Beef Stew Recipe does exactly that with each savory bite. So put on your apron and give it a try—you’ll soon have a new family favorite that’s both easy to make and deeply rewarding to eat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade beef stew recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Tender chunks of beef are browned and slowly simmered with vegetables and flavorful herbs, resulting in a rich and thick stew that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Broth
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
- 4 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled
- 4 cups water
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Vegetables
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 4 stalks celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
Thickening Agent
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cold water
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 2 pounds of cubed beef stew meat and cook until well browned on all sides to develop deep flavor.
- Prepare Broth and Simmer: Dissolve 4 crumbled beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of water. Pour this broth into the pot with the browned beef. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour to tenderize the beef and meld flavors.
- Add Vegetables: After 1 hour, stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes, carrots, celery, and chopped onion. Continue simmering the stew covered on low heat.
- Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons cornstarch in 2 teaspoons cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering stew. Cover and simmer for another hour until the beef is tender, vegetables are cooked through, and the stew thickens to a rich consistency.
Notes
- For extra depth, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving; add salt if needed since bouillon contains sodium.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variety.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and best results.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
