This recipe is straightforward making it perfect for busy nights when you need a no-fuss dinner option that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone who cooks regularly, you’ll find this stew easy to make and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with some crusty bread in hand for a rustic, old-fashioned classic dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food, with maximum flavor.
- Pearl onions are used for the best texture.
- Cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Freezer friendly!
Our Beef Stew has all of the old-fashioned elements you’d want along with all of the flavor. This is pure comfort in a bowl with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and all the right herbs and spices.
This stew boasts a deep, savory flavor balanced with subtle hints of sweetness and spice, courtesy of a blend of herbs and our not-so-secret ingredient: Worcestershire sauce. The beef becomes fork-tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredient Notes
Beef: We recommend a simple stew meat which is cubed chuck roast. Most grocery stores offer stew meat, already cut, near the butcher department. You can cube your own chuck roast, or use a similar cut like bottom round, top round, and brisket.
Potatoes: Red potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes hold up better in a stew than russet potatoes, and they don’t even need peeling! Russet potatoes can become grainy due to their high starch content.
Pearl Onions: Raw pearl onions are seasonal, but you can always find them in the frozen section at your local grocery store. They have a nice, mild flavor, are already peeled, and ready to add whole into this stew. If you can’t find these little gems, a regular chopped white onion will also work, but trust me, pearl onions are worth hunting down for their unique texture and flavor.
Troubleshooting
- If the stew is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
- For stew that’s too thick, slowly stir in additional beef broth until desired consistency is reached.
- If the beef isn’t tender after the recommended cooking time, continue to simmer until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting stew with dinner rolls for dipping or a light green salad for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a gathering where you want to offer a warm, welcoming dish.
Tips from the Chef
- Brown the beef well to develop deep flavors in the stew.
- Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Cool the stew to room temperature before transferring it to containers for storage.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to adjust consistency.
To freeze, transfer to an airtight freezer container or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 3 months.
more favorite Stew recipes
Comforting Irish Stew
3 hrs 15 mins
Old Fashioned Chicken Stew
1 hr 5 mins
Instant Pot Beef Stew
1 hr 50 mins
Slow Cooker Irish Stew
6 hrs 15 mins
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
I haven’t tried this recipe yet (plan to buy ingredients this week) but I know it will be fabulous. I’ve tried many of your recipes and have never had anything but a delicious meal. I always share with my neighbors (apartment) and they also love your recipes. After I cook this, I’ll post and let you know how it went, which will be incredible, I’m sure..
I just made it a fabulous!! I love this chef.
Thank you, your meals have been used by this dad time and time again. Thank you for your help my family appreciates your efforts!!!
I add a couple of Bay leaves to it, too.
The movie quote is from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers!!!
Delicious, Delicious!!! This is the Best Stew?
Your recipe looks delicious! I will be making soon! My hubby loves stew!!! Your movie quote is from Seven Brides For Seven Brothers!!! This movie is a classic that I absolutely love! Think I will make some stew & pop in this movie for a great “Dinner & a Movie” night!! ?
This looks great, but the recipe isn’t showing up for me. Am I missing it? I see encrypted text below the descriptive paragraph only. Thanks in advance!
website error! Should be fixed now. Thanks for letting me know!
What adjustments should be made to convert this recipe to a ‘slow cooker’ method?
As said above:
ollow steps 1 and 2 and then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Then cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Follow step 5 to thicken stew if needed and cook another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
As said above:
ollow steps 1 and 2 and then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Then cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Follow step 5 to thicken stew if needed and cook another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
I've been looking for a recipe like this for yeeeeeears! Thank you!!!!
After you make it make sure you come back and let me know how you liked it! We seriously love this stew. I'll quote one of my favorite old movies and say, "This stew stands on its own two feet."
That beef stew looks so good! This looks like the perfect thing to make this week for dinner!