Dinner

Beef Stew – Rich & Hearty Comfort Soup Recipe

Byluca Carter December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Introduction

A cozy bowl of homemade beef stew is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. This rich and hearty classic comes together easily and fills your kitchen with inviting aromas. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a satisfying dish everyone will love.

This image shows a close-up of a beef stew in a pot filled with rich brown broth. Large chunks of dark brown beef are scattered throughout, mixed with light golden baby potatoes and bright orange carrot pieces. Small green peas add pops of color on top. The stew is garnished with small green herbs and sprigs of rosemary, creating a fresh, textured look. The stew appears thick and hearty, with each ingredient clearly visible in the warm, savory sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced

3 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)

2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves

3 medium potatoes, cubed
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the beef cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, then transfer the browned beef to a plate.
Step 3: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic, flour, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Pour in the red wine if using, stirring to deglaze the pot. Let it simmer briefly to reduce slightly.
Step 6: Add the beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Return the browned beef to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 8: Add the cubed potatoes and continue cooking until they are tender, about 20 minutes.
Step 9: Stir in the frozen peas, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add parsnips for a different flavor profile.
Use vegetable broth and omit wine for a milder taste or to make it dairy-free and gluten-free.

Adding fresh herbs like parsley just before serving brightens the dish.

Storage

Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot. This stew also freezes well—keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a rich beef stew in a deep pot, showing about three layers: a thick red-brown broth base with specks of herbs, topped with chunks of dark brown beef pieces scattered evenly, round light yellow potatoes halved or whole, bright orange carrot slices, and some small green celery bits. The stew is garnished in the center with a small bundle of fresh green rosemary sprigs, and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled across the top, all resting in a deep white pot placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.