Brown the beef

Beef Stew Recipe

Hearty, rich, and full of comforting flavor this beef stew recipe is a timeless classic that warms the soul. Perfect for cozy family dinners or Sunday gatherings, this traditional beef stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef, slow-simmered vegetables, and aromatic herbs for a deeply satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking this easy beef stew recipe on the stove or in a slow cooker, each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and comfort. Find more healthy and tasty Beef Stew Recipe ideas here.

beef stew recipe
beef stew recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
  • 4 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 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
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons cold water

Directions / How to Cook

  • Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat and cook until all sides are browned evenly.
  • Create the base: Dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of warm water. Pour the mixture into the pot with the beef, then stir in rosemary, parsley, and black pepper.
  • Simmer for flavor: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to blend and the beef to tenderize.
  • Add the vegetables: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Continue cooking, covered, until the vegetables are soft and the beef is tender about another hour.
  • Thicken the stew: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the stew, simmering for another 10–15 minutes until the broth thickens to your liking.
  • Serve and enjoy: Remove from heat, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt or herbs as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over warm biscuits for a comforting meal.

Tip: For deeper flavor, substitute half a cup of the water with red wine or add fresh thyme. For an Irish beef stew recipe, simply replace beef with lamb and add a touch of Guinness or stout beer.

Thicken the stew
Thicken the stew

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 10
Yield: 1 large pot of beef stew