Classic Beef Stew Recipe (Slow Cooker or Stovetop)

Hearty Homemade Beef Stew Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Making Tender, Flavorful Beef Stew—Your Way

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 2-8 hours | Total Time: 2.5-8.5 hours | Servings: 6-8

This classic beef stew recipe creates tender, fall-apart beef with vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Perfect comfort food for cold days.

Ingredients for Homemade Beef Stew

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, cut into chunks
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 pound potatoes, cubed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

How to Make the Best Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Method (8 hours):

1. Prepare beef: Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Brown beef: Heat oil in large skillet, brown beef on all sides (about 6-8 minutes total). Transfer to slow cooker.
3. Sauté vegetables: In same skillet, cook onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes. Add garlic, cook 1 minute more.
4. Combine ingredients: Add vegetables to slow cooker with potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
6. Thicken if desired: Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into stew during last 30 minutes.

Stovetop Method (2.5 hours):

1. Follow steps 1-3 above in a large Dutch oven.
2. Add all remaining ingredients, bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 2-2.5 hours until beef is tender.

Beef Stew Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls
• Top with fresh parsley
• Perfect with mashed potatoes or egg noodles
• Stores well in refrigerator for 3-4 days

Nutrition per serving: Approximately 385 calories, 15g fat, 28g carbs, 35g protein

This recipe gives you options for both slow cooker convenience and stovetop cooking, ensuring you get tender, flavorful beef stew either way!