Hearty Beef Stew

When there is a chill in the air, soups and stews are basically a requirement. There is just something so cozy about warming up with a bowl of comforting soup or stew. Beef stew tops the list when it comes to fall and winter-time comfort food.

We were going to name what we love about this beef stew recipe, but truthfully, what’s not to love? This hearty stew will stick to your ribs in the best way. Now let’s get into what’s what about stews, including a few of our favorite tips and sides to make this beef stew a total game-changer.

The Origins of Stews

Stews have been around since ancient times. Let’s be real; most ride-or-die dishes have a long history! Many countries have a stew that is representative of their culture. In Morocco, tagine is a stew made in a pot with the same name. Gumbo is a type of Creole stew that Louisiana is known for. Daal is a staple lentil stew that is popular in India. 

Beef stew sounds about as American as burgers and hot dogs, but this stew actually has roots in Europe. This hearty dish is composed of traditional elements from the UK and France, with local ingredients usually bringing what makes a stew unique. 

The Difference Between Soups and Stews

Stew is a bit different from soup. Soups and stews have the same foundation but create different end results. While soup can be warming and comforting in its own right, we feel that only stew can wear the “hearty” title with pride. 

The ingredients in a stew tend to be bigger in size, such as larger cuts of beef. Soups use more liquid when the liquid in a stew is generally just enough to cover the ingredients. 

Another difference between soups and stews is that the liquid in a stew is more gravy-like, thanks to thickening agents like a flour mixture or cornstarch slurry. We will never hate on soups, but slow cooker beef stew has our heart. 

How To Make Classic Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew recipe can be made in a large pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop. For even more slow-cooking heartiness, you can even make this beef stew in a (you guessed it) slow cooker or as a crock pot beef stew. 

Although, you could totally be someone who wants to take things to the opposite end of the spectrum and have this cozy stew ASAP. Well, an instant pot can def be a go-to for this recipe. 

To make this beef stew recipe, you’ll first begin with a few hours of time (unless you’re going to opt for using your instant pot!). Your prep time will be about a half hour, with the total time until beef stew perfection clocking in at around three hours. Trust us; this dinner is well worth it. 

You’ll begin by tossing some tender beef stew meat in all-purpose flour. Saute yellow onion in warmed olive or vegetable oil, then stew sorcery begins. Beef broth, meet red wine (such as a Merlot), Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. The flavor complexities begin to come to life with this stew simmering over low heat. 

The secret to beef stew is to allow plenty of time for everything to cook down and for the irresistible flavors to really develop! 

Beef Stew for a Crowd

The next time you have your family or loved ones around on a chilly evening, you’ll want to up the coziness factor by serving up satisfying helpings of this delicious beef stew as the main course. One of the best parts about this recipe is that it doesn’t take a whole lot of looking after, which means even more time spent catching up with your friends. 

You can prep many of these ingredients beforehand, such as chopping up your veggies earlier in the day and storing them in the fridge. Creating the best beef stew is made even easier with this lil life hack. A well-balanced, nourishing meal for a crowd can seem like a big undertaking, but beef stew never lets us down.

How To Store Beef Stew Leftovers

We’ve spoken a lot about cookin’ up this classic beef stew when entertaining guests, for good reason. But we aren’t about to let our more introverted friends feel left out (even if that’s what they may secretly want). The pretty perfect ratios of ingredients make it easy to reduce this recipe if you desire. 

But honestly, though, you may not want to – even if you’re just cooking for one or two. This beef stew keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or store batches of stew in the freezer to become a meal prep master. You can thaw frozen beef stew in the fridge and reheat any leftovers on the stovetop over medium-high heat until warmed.

What To Serve with Beef Stew

Serve us a bowl of hearty beef stew on its own, and we won’t complain. But leveling up this comfort food staple with other savory sides is never bad! 

You can serve beef stew alongside:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rustic bread and butter
• Dinner rolls
• Cornbread muffins
• Brown rice
• Green salad
• Garlic bread
• Couscous
• Stuffing
• Coleslaw
• Dumplings
• Roasted veggies such as peas, asparagus, or Brussel sprouts
• Green bean casserole
• Sauteed mushrooms

The Secret to Good Stew

This hearty beef stew recipe is pretty flawless. Kicking it up a notch isn't necessary but it sure as hell can be fun. 

Here are a few tips on imparting additional flavor and richness.

• Our addition of fresh parsley at the end of this recipe should not be overlooked. Fresh herbs brighten a dish, and we love it.
  
  
• Choose the right meat cut, like chuck roast. Fortunately for our wallets, the cheaper cuts of beef tend to work the best.
  
  
• Brown the meat first to caramelize it and add depth of flavor to the beef stock stew as a whole.
  
  
• Don’t forget to cover the pot! This keeps all the yummy goodness inside where it belongs.
  
  
• You can add a little bit of tomato paste, usually about a teaspoon’s worth, to add an acidic flavor that can cut some of the richness.

The Perfect Beef Stew Recipe

Soups are a classic staple for a reason. And we aren’t mad about it! Soups and stews allow flavors to meld together harmoniously — cooking low and slow is the way to go. A classic beef stew recipe hits all the right notes. Mariah Carey, who? 

Onion and garlic are the perfect pair of flavor-packing superheroes that always come through. Beef broth enriches a hearty base with the addition of warming dry red wine. Yukon potatoes or red potatoes satisfy in a way that only carbohydrates can, with the added bonus of soaking up the flavor. 

Seeking more hashtag health? Meet our friends: carrots and celery. Add in spices and seasonings that are the backbone of flavor. Guy Fieri called, and he wants the new mayors of Flavortown to be bay leaves, black pepper, sprigs of rosemary, and fresh thyme. How can we argue with that?

Turn on some “Lo-Fi Beats to Relax,” light your fireplace (or find your fave fireplace simulator on YouTube), pour a glass of Pinot (there will be some to spare from the bottle needed for this recipe), and get ready to make the perfect beef stew. 

Recipe Data:

Name: Hearty Beef Stew

Recipe Title: Hearty Beef Stew

Recipe Description: This Hearty Beef Stew is a comforting, slow-cooked dish filled with tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings, this classic recipe is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.