Why This Beef Stew Recipe Is the Ultimate Winter Dinner
When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there’s one dish that always delivers: a rich, hearty beef stew recipe. It’s the kind of meal that warms your bones, fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and satisfies every craving for cozy comfort.
This isn’t just any stew. This is the kind that simmers low and slow, with tender chunks of beef, soft veggies, and a deeply flavorful broth. The kind you want to scoop up with a big spoon and a slice of crusty bread by your side. It’s the kind of winter dinner idea you’ll want on repeat.
Comfort in a Bowl: What Makes beef stew recipe So Good
Here’s what sets this beef stew recipe apart from the bland or watery versions you’ve probably had before:
- Deep, savory flavor thanks to browning the beef and building layers of seasoning
- A custom beef stew seasoning blend that’s better than any store packet
- Flexible ingredients (make it thick, chunky, or brothy—your call)
- Freezer-friendly and even better the next day
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this recipe brings all the comfort without the fuss.
Looking for a full comfort meal? Pair it with our classic mashed potatoes or a warm side of garlic butter biscuits for the full cozy experience.
Ingredients for the Best Beef Stew recipe
Building a soul-warming stew starts with the right components: quality meat, hearty vegetables, and a deeply seasoned broth that pulls it all together. Here’s everything you need for a pot of cozy perfection:
The Best Cuts of Meat for Beef Stew recipe
Not all stew meat is created equal. You want cuts that become meltingly tender after a long simmer:
- Chuck roast (top pick): marbled, affordable, and gets super tender
- Bottom round: leaner but still flavorful
- Brisket (for richer stew): more fat = deeper flavor
- Pre-cut “stew meat” works too, but double-check for fat and consistency
Tip: Cut your meat into even 1½-inch chunks so they cook uniformly.
Vegetables That Add Depth and Texture
These aren’t just filler — they soak up flavor and make every bite more satisfying:
- Carrots – slightly sweet and sturdy
- Yukon Gold or red potatoes – hold their shape better than russets
- Celery – classic part of the mirepoix trio
- Onions & garlic – aromatic base for richness
- Optional add-ins: parsnips, turnips, mushrooms, or peas (added at the end)
Pro Tip: Sauté your onions and garlic first to release their full flavor before adding broth.
The Ultimate Beef Stew recipe Seasoning Mix
Forget the packet. This homemade beef stew seasoning blend is where the real magic happens.
DIY Stew Spice Blend:
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (regular or smoked)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf (whole, added during simmering)
- Optional: ½ tsp celery seed or crushed red pepper for a kick
You can also add 1 tbsp of tomato paste to deepen the umami of your broth.
Looking for a ready-to-go mix? Check out McCormick’s beef stew seasoning for a reliable backup.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Beef Stew Recipe from Scratch
This isn’t a “dump and go” recipe—it’s a flavor-layered classic, built the old-school way with just the right balance of technique and ease.
1. Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor
This is where the magic starts.
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels (this helps it sear, not steam)
- Season it lightly with salt and pepper
- Heat 1–2 tbsp of oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat
- Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides—don’t crowd the pan
- Set browned beef aside on a plate
Browning caramelizes the meat’s surface and leaves behind browned bits (fond) that add massive flavor to your stew base.
2. Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot:
- Add a splash more oil if needed
- Sauté onion, celery, and carrots (the classic mirepoix trio) for 4–5 minutes
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add tomato paste (1 tbsp) and stir for 1 minute to deepen the umami
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom.
3. Deglaze and Simmer Low and Slow
- Pour in 1/2 cup of red wine, beef broth, or water to deglaze the pot
- Add your homemade beef stew seasoning mix (see Part 2)
- Return the seared beef to the pot
- Add 3–4 cups beef broth, 1–2 bay leaves, and potatoes
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours
Stir occasionally and check the liquid level—you want it thick but not dry. Add more broth or water as needed.
Final Touches (Optional Add-ins)
- Add frozen peas or green beans in the last 15 minutes
- If you like it thicker, mix 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in during the last 10–15 minutes of simmering
Let it rest 10 minutes off heat before serving—it will thicken slightly and flavors will meld even more.
Homemade Beef Stew Seasoning Ideas
Whether you’re building your stew from scratch or just looking to amp up flavor in a flash, seasoning is everything. Here’s how to level it up.
Spice Blends That Work: Savory, Herby & Smoky
For a balanced, herby base, use this go-to blend:
- 1 tsp paprika (for color and mild heat)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp rosemary
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (remove before serving)
Want to give it a twist?
- Smoky & rich: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or 1 tsp chipotle powder
- Savory depth: Stir in a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire
- French-style: Try a pinch of Herbes de Provence or tarragon
Tip: Add your spice blend before simmering so the flavors fully infuse.
Store-Bought Beef Stew Seasoning Packets That Actually Work
If you’re short on time or ingredients, a few pre-mixed stew seasonings can still deliver solid results:
- McCormick Beef Stew Seasoning Mix – Classic and reliable
Buy on McCormick - Knorr Classic Recipe Beef Stew Mix – Savory with a hint of onion
- Simply Organic French Onion Dip Mix – Not traditional, but great when combined with broth for flavor depth
Tip: Always taste test packet mixes. You can adjust salt, pepper, or acid (a splash of vinegar or tomato paste) to balance it.
Substituting Beef Casserole Seasoning in Stew
Wondering if that beef casserole packet will work? Good news—it often can.
Beef casserole seasoning usually includes:
- Onion powder
- Garlic
- Dried herbs
- Cornstarch or thickeners
You can totally use it in a stew—just watch the salt content, and skip additional thickeners until the end so you don’t overdo it.
Add more liquid than you would for a casserole and simmer uncovered to maintain stew texture.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Stew
Rich and satisfying on its own, beef stew gets even better with the right sides. Here’s how to round out the meal and make it feel like a feast.
What to Serve with Beef Stew
Perfect pairings for soaking up all that savory broth:
- Crusty French bread or a warm baguette
- Buttermilk biscuits or cheddar drop biscuits
- Creamy mashed potatoes (serve the stew over top)
- Buttered egg noodles or rice for a hearty base
- Steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad for balance
How to Stretch or Thicken Beef Stew for a Crowd
Need to serve more people or make your batch go further?
- Add beans (like white beans or lentils) during the last 30 minutes
- Add extra vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or frozen peas
- Serve over a starch like mashed potatoes or rice to bulk up portions
- Add a can of diced tomatoes to increase broth volume and richness
To thicken the stew:
- Whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour with 2 tbsp cold water, stir in during the last 15 minutes
- Or mash a few potatoes directly into the stew for a natural thickener
Leftovers, Storage, and Freezing Tips
How Long Does Beef Stew Last in the Fridge?
Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can You Freeze Beef Stew?
Yes—beef stew freezes beautifully.
- Portion into containers or freezer bags (leave room for expansion)
- Label with the date
- Freeze for up to 3 months
To reheat:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge
- Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring often
- Add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to freeze, avoid adding peas or dairy-based thickeners until reheating for best texture.
How to cook beef stew recipe?
Start by searing the beef, then build flavor with sautéed aromatics (onion, garlic, celery). Add broth, seasonings, and vegetables. Simmer low and slow (2+ hours) until tender.
Full instructions in our step-by-step section above.
How to make beef stew recipe?
Use chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, and a rich broth. Sear the beef, sauté the veggies, add seasonings and liquid, then simmer for 2 hours or until the beef is fork-tender. Don’t skip browning—it adds major flavor!
A recipe for beef stew?
Yes! Our hearty beef stew includes chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, homemade seasoning, and a slow simmer for maximum flavor. It’s warm, rich, and freezer-friendly.
Scroll to the top for the full recipe.
A good beef stew recipe?
A good stew is all about tender beef, slow cooking, and the right spices. Use a homemade seasoning blend (thyme, garlic, paprika), seared chuck roast, and root vegetables for a hearty, filling meal.
A beef stew recipe?
Absolutely! This classic recipe delivers deep flavor and soft, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Perfect for cold nights and made in one pot for easy cleanup.
A good recipe for beef stew?
Our version is a reader favorite—easy, customizable, and deeply satisfying. The homemade beef stew seasoning brings it all together without relying on store-bought mixes.
A simple beef stew recipe?
Want to keep it easy? Just brown the beef, toss everything in one pot (or slow cooker), season well, and simmer until tender.
Use carrots, potatoes, onions, and store-bought broth for a true one-pot win.
Can beef stew recipe…?
Yes, beef stew is incredibly versatile. You can:
- Freeze it
- Add beans or mushrooms
- Make it spicy with chili flakes or chipotle
- Cook it in a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or pressure cooker
Can Cooker beef stew recipe?
If you’re using a CanCooker, just add seared beef, broth, veggies, and seasoning to the cooker. Steam over medium heat for 45–60 minutes, or until beef is tender.
How to cook beef liver stew recipe?
Beef liver stew cooks fast. Sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes, then add sliced beef liver and cook for 10–15 minutes. Season with thyme, pepper, and a splash of vinegar. Don’t overcook or it becomes tough.
How to make beef stew easy recipe?
Use pre-cut stew meat, frozen mixed vegetables, and premade broth. Skip browning if short on time—just combine everything in a pot, bring to a simmer, and cook until tender (about 90 minutes).
How to make easy beef stew recipe?
For the easiest version:
- Add beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and onion to a pot
- Cover with beef broth
- Add seasoning (thyme, pepper, bay leaf)
- Simmer covered for 2 hours
That’s it—flavor without fuss.
What is the best beef stew recipe?
One that balances rich flavor, tender beef, and cozy ingredients like root vegetables and warm spices. This recipe uses chuck roast, our custom spice mix, and a slow simmer for maximum comfort.
What is the recipe for beef stew?
A classic version includes:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3–4 cups beef broth
- Seasoning blend: garlic, thyme, paprika, bay leaf
Simmer all ingredients in one pot for 2 hours. Optional: Add tomato paste or red wine for depth.
What recipes can I make with beef stew meat?
Beef stew meat is great for:
- Chili
- Beef and veggie soup
- Slow cooker BBQ beef
- Beef curry
- Teriyaki beef and rice bowls
- Goulash or stroganoff
It’s versatile, affordable, and perfect for low-and-slow meals.
