There’s nothing quite like the warm, hearty comfort of a classic stew bubbling away on the stove. This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug—rich, savory, and loaded with tender beef and fresh veggies. It’s a cozy meal you’ll want to make again and again.

The image shows a close-up view of a rich stew in a pot, featuring several chunks of cooked beef that are deep brown and textured, surrounded by large pieces of golden yellow potatoes and vibrant orange carrots. Soft, translucent onion pieces sit among the stew, all coated in a thick, glossy reddish-brown sauce. Small green thyme leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch to the hearty dish, with steam and slight oil reflections giving it a warm, cooked look. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve always believed that comfort food should be simple to make but packed with flavor. This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe nails that balance perfectly. From the first simmer to the last bite, it feels like home.

Super Tender Beef Chunks: Slow cooking transforms humble beef chuck into melt-in-your-mouth goodness every time.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making it super approachable for any night of the week.
Bonus Veggie Boost: Potatoes, carrots, and aromatic onion and garlic round out the dish with perfect texture and taste.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal clean-up, maximum comfort—my kind of cooking!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe brings something special to the table. From the hearty beef to the savory broth and fresh herbs, they all play a role in creating those deep, rich flavors.

Flat lay of fresh beef chuck roast chunks with visible marbling, a small heap of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small pile of coarsely ground black peppercorns, a small mound of gluten-free all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, half a yellow onion quartered to show layers, four whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, one large bright orange carrot cut into chunks, two whole Yukon Gold potatoes with smooth golden skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich brown beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding thick deep red tomato paste, one fresh green bay leaf, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme leaves arranged neatly — all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef Chuck Roast: Perfectly marbled and sturdy enough to develop a deep flavor after slow cooking without falling apart.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a subtle crust on the meat and thickens the stew for that luscious texture.
Olive Oil: A good searing oil that adds a mild fruity note while helping brown the beef.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes slightly in the pot.
Garlic Cloves: Gives the stew that irresistible aromatic backbone.
Carrot: Adds a refreshing sweetness and a bit of bite that contrasts beautifully with tender beef.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these hold their shape well and soak up the savory broth.
Beef Broth: The heart of the stew’s liquid, building richness and umami.
Tomato Paste: Adds a tangy depth and thickens the sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Provides complexity with a tangy, slightly smoky edge that really boosts flavor.
Bay Leaves & Fresh Thyme Leaves: Classic herbs that add that unmistakable earthy, woodsy aroma.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. You can tweak it easily to fit your taste or what's on hand in your kitchen.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the carrots for parsnips or add a splash of red wine to deepen the flavor—trust me, the stew gets even more luxurious.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour as I do for a celiac-friendly twist without losing that thick, silky sauce.
Seasonal Twist: In the fall, adding a handful of fresh mushrooms is a lovely seasonal upgrade.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

A dark round skillet filled with a stew showing two main layers: large chunks of brown cooked meat and bright yellow potatoes mixed with orange carrot pieces, all covered in a glossy brown sauce with small green herb sprigs scattered on top. The skillet rests on a round wooden board, placed on a white marbled surface with a grey cloth partially visible on the left and a pepper grinder on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Flour the Beef Chunks

Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into generous 2-inch chunks and removing any excess fat. I like to season the meat liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—that seasoning really lifts the beef flavor. Toss the meat with gluten-free all-purpose flour, coating the chunks well. This step is key for getting a nice crust when browning and also acts as a natural thickener later on.

Step 2: Brown the Beef for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the beef chunks in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop that rich caramelized color. Don’t crowd the pan—give the meat space so it can properly brown instead of steam. Once browned, set the beef aside on a plate while you cook the veggies.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Into the same Dutch oven, toss in the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and large carrot pieces. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they’re beautifully softened and start to brown. This step builds more layers of flavor that make this stew so crave-worthy.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Liquids

Now, toss in the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and fresh thyme leaves. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those lovely browned bits from the bottom—they’re full of flavor and make the stew sauce irresistibly savory.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow in the Oven

Return the browned beef into the pot, cover tightly with the lid, and place it in your preheated oven at 325°F. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is thickened beautifully. This slow oven cooking is what turns the beef stupendously tender and lets the flavors mingle to perfection.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Once your stew is done, fish out the bay leaf and give the stew a taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed—sometimes just a pinch more salt elevates the whole dish. Serve it steaming hot, garnished with fresh thyme for that herbal pop.

Top Tip

Having made this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe dozens of times, I’ve realized the little details make all the difference. Here are my go-to tips for steakhouse-worthy stew at home.

Proper Browning: Don’t rush this! Browning in batches develops the stew’s deep, rich flavors that you just can’t get without it.
Don’t Skip the Flour Coating: It’s the secret weapon for a thick, silky sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
Use a Dutch Oven: This even heat distribution makes slow cooking flawless, tenderizing the beef perfectly.
Patience Pays Off: Give the stew those full 2 hours or more for melt-in-your-mouth beef—rushing won’t get the same results!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this stew with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves—it adds a burst of bright, herbal fragrance that contrasts so nicely with the rich sauce. Sometimes I add a little chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy texture and fresh zing.

Side Dishes

For sides, crusty bread is my go-to to soak up every last drop of that luscious stew sauce. You can also serve it with simple buttered green beans or a crisp salad if you want something light and fresh alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this beef stew in rustic cast-iron mini pots or ramekins—makes it feel extra cozy and special. Pair with a glass of your favorite red wine, and you’ve got the perfect comfort dinner with a little extra flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the stew cool to room temperature, then store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, and the flavors only deepen overnight.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some headspace. When thawed, it tastes just as rich and comforting—perfect for busy nights when you need a quick but hearty meal.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir often to keep it from sticking and to warm everything evenly. Avoid microwave reheating if you can — slow, gentle heat keeps that tender texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.

What cut of beef is best for this stew?

Beef chuck roast is ideal because it has enough fat and connective tissue that breaks down during long cooking times, making the beef tender and flavorful. Avoid lean cuts as they can become tough.

Can I prepare this stew gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free all-purpose flour as I do in this recipe to coat the beef. Also, double-check your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce brands to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and pulls apart easily. Typically, 2-2.5 hours in the oven is enough at 325°F, but a bit more time won’t hurt if needed for that perfect tenderness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Beef Stew Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s dependable, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. It’s that kind of meal you look forward to coming home to after a long day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, savoring each warm, hearty spoonful with people you love. Give it a try—you’ll have a new favorite comfort food before you know it!