There's nothing quite like a bowl of Easy Homemade Beef Stew when you crave cozy comfort! This stew is outrageously tender, loaded with melt-in-your-mouth beef, chunky potatoes, and sweet carrots-all simmered in a savory, peppery broth that will warm you from the inside out.

Why is this the best beef stew? Because it's totally fuss-free. One pot, just a little prep, and big bold flavors in every bite! It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal without a lot of work or for lazy Sundays with the family.

This recipe is inspired by my mom's old-school version, and every spoonful takes me right back to her kitchen. Just imagine curling up with a steaming bowl on a chilly night-pure comfort!

Hearty bowl of beef stew with potatoes, carrots, and juicy beef

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Unbeatable comfort food for chilly days-truly soul-warming!
Incredibly easy, all made in just one pot with simple steps
Tender beef and hearty vegetables for a filling, complete meal
Designed for busy cooks-set it and forget it with minimal hands-on time

Key Ingredients for Easy Homemade Beef Stew

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef chuck roast is the star of this stew, giving it that classic, rich, and savory flavor. It turns incredibly tender after simmering, almost melting apart with your spoon. Choose well-marbled chuck cut into 1-1.5 inch cubes for best results. If you can't find chuck, stew meat or even brisket works in a pinch, though leaner cuts won't be as buttery.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Potatoes soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth and add satisfying texture. Yukon Golds are a favorite for their creamy centers and thin, fuss-free skins. Cut them into large chunks so they hold up through simmering. Red potatoes are a great option, too, while russets may get a bit too soft.

Carrots

Carrots deliver natural sweetness and vibrant color to the stew. Peel and slice them thickly, about ½ inch, so they soften but don't disappear. Baby carrots can be used whole, or try parsnips for a slightly spicier kick.

Onion

A good yellow onion brings savory depth and aroma to the base of your stew. Dice it finely so it blends into the sauce. If you're out of yellow onion, white or even shallots will work-with a milder flavor.

Beef Broth

Rich beef broth forms the backbone of your stew's body and flavor. Choose low-sodium for better control over seasoning and taste. Homemade stock is wonderful if you have it, but a good-quality store brand works just as well. Chicken broth can be used in a pinch, but the stew will have a lighter flavor.

Instructions for Easy Homemade Beef Stew

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sear the Beef

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Don't overcrowd the pot-let the pieces get a nice crust! Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and sauté 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly.

Simmer the Stew

Return the seared beef (and any juices) to the pot. Add the beef broth, water, potatoes, carrots, celery, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Give it all a stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and vegetables are perfectly soft.

Thicken and Finish

For a thicker stew, whisk flour with ¼ cup cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Add frozen peas; cover again and simmer until peas are bright green, about 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves.

Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley. Serve piping hot for the coziest meal!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch to thicken the stew, or leave it out if you like a looser broth. Always check labels on broth or spices if gluten is a concern.

Slow Cooker Method

Short on time? After searing the beef and cooking the aromatics, combine everything in your slow cooker (except peas and parsley). Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Add peas during the last 30 minutes to maintain their bright color.

Add More Veggies

Bulk up your stew by tossing in chopped mushrooms, green beans, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. They add extra nutrition and texture-just toss them in at the same time as the potatoes.

Spice it Up

Love a little heat? Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a dash of red pepper flakes with the herbs. It gives the stew an extra warm punch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Easy Homemade Beef Stew with thick slices of crusty French bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls-perfect for soaking up every last drop of gravy. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top adds a fresh finish!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot; add a splash of broth or water if needed. Stew also freezes beautifully: let it cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Homemade Beef Stew (FAQ)

Q: What’s the best cut of beef for stew?

A: Chuck roast is ideal for beef stew-it becomes super tender and flavorful after simmering. Stew meat or brisket also work, but avoid lean cuts, which tend to dry out.

Q: Can I make this stew in advance?

A: Absolutely! Beef stew tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Make it ahead and simply reheat before serving.

Q: How can I thicken my beef stew?

A: Mix a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew until thickened to your liking.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope this Easy Homemade Beef Stew fills your kitchen with wonderful smells and brings cozy comfort to your table. Give it a try, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating below-I love hearing how these recipes turn out for you!