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 have always loved beef stew and have tried lots of different recipes throughout the years. This one is my favorite, and my man friend loves it, too. I had to ask the produce clerk where the pearl onions were (they were on a low shelf), and peeling them was a bit of a pain, but I think it was well worth it. I didn’t know whether to use yellow or white pearl onions so I did half and half. Yum! I think last night was the third time I have made this recipe, and it does not disappoint. Great blend of spices!
I love the way the veggies are in
big peices. Tastes wonderful, wouldn’t change a thing!
I made this tonight for dinner and it is delicious. Since it is just 2 of us, I have a lot of leftovers. Would it freeze well?
Best beef stew ever! Husband and I both love it! Meat is tender, stew has perfect flavor, and just the right amount of thickness. We didn’t add the sugar because we are trying to stay away from any added sugar. We didn’t need any salt or pepper added after serving.
Cant wait to try this!!! Starcing for meat! Lol! But i dont see where ut says how much SUGAR. THANK YOU! Love all the spices and flavoring layers
As always, a great recipe! Very tasty too! I always go overboard on the meat as just like turkey the day after, this is a go to the next day! We usually run low after finishing dinner so we come up short the next day. I do not like to peel pearl onions as it’s very time consuming, but they’re in the pot.
This was such a flavorful and easy meal. My husband and I really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for sharing your great recipe!
My husband and I love this recipe!! We tried it for the first time several weeks ago and have continued to make it often. I wouldn’t change a thing! We cook it in the slow cooker and it’s delicious every time!!
Made this and it was DELICIOUS! I have now given the recipe to several friends. Can’t wait to hear what they think, all I know is this is forever my go to Stew recipe.
Best flavored beeef stew ever! I make it stovetop actually. I just wait to add the veggies in the last 30-40 minutes. I then make drop dumpliings for the top. Sorry mom, I loved your stew growing up but this is better.