Best Ever Beef Stew

Here’s a hearty and flavorful “Best Ever Beef Stew” recipe that’s been perfected over time for rich flavor and tender beef. It’s classic comfort food that tastes even better the next day!

🥘 Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 25 min
Cook Time: 2.5–3 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours

🧂 Ingredients

• 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 3 tbsp olive oil (or a mix of oil and butter)

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 cup red wine (or beef broth for non-alcoholic option)

• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 4 carrots, cut into chunks

• 3 large potatoes, cut into chunks

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

🔪 Instructions

1. Prep the Beef:

   • Pat the beef dry with paper towels.

   • Season with salt and pepper, then toss with flour to coat.

2. Sear the Meat:

   • Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

   • Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In the same pot, add onions and cook 5 minutes until softened.

   • Add garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1–2 minutes more, stirring frequently.

4. Deglaze & Simmer:

   • Pour in red wine, scraping up brown bits (flavor!).

   • Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

   • Add beef back in. Stir in broth, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, bay leaves, thyme, paprika.

5. Simmer Slowly:

   • Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

6. Add Veggies:

   • Add carrots, potatoes, and celery.

   • Simmer uncovered for another 45–60 minutes, or until beef is fork-tender and veggies are cooked.

7. Finish:

   • Add peas in the last 5 minutes.

   • Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

   • Remove bay leaves.

8. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

   • Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

🔁 Pro Tips

• Beef chuck has the best flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked.

• For extra depth, stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pat of butter before serving.

• Make ahead – stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

• Slow cooker version? Brown beef first, then cook on low 7–8 hours.