Fall-Apart Tender Easy Beef Stew Recipe on Stove

🥘 The Ultimate Guide to Easy Beef Stew on the Stove – Comfort Food, Made Simple

 

When life is a whirlwind of work, family, and daily demands, there’s nothing like a meal that’s both hearty and truly home-cooked. That’s exactly why this easy beef stew recipe for the stovetop is a staple in my kitchen. It’s one of those classic comfort foods—warming, rich in flavor, and low on effort.

With just a handful of pantry basics, you can create a thick, savory beef stew that tastes as if it simmered all day—even if you start less than an hour before dinner.

Pro Tip: The stovetop method gives you total control over flavor, texture, and thickness. No oven required. No fancy tools. Just one pot and a wooden spoon.

easy beef stew recipe on stove

🛒 Ingredients You Likely Have on Hand

This recipe centers on kitchen staples, so there’s no need for specialty shopping. Every ingredient adds bold, satisfying flavor with minimal prep.

The Essentials:

  • Stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Carrots, potatoes, and celery
  • Diced onion and minced garlic
  • Tomato paste
  • Flour (or gluten-free flour, if needed)
  • Olive oil
  • Beef broth (low-sodium is best for salt control)
  • Bay leaf, dried thyme, black pepper, and sea salt
  • Worcestershire sauce (for a rich, savory depth)

Optional but Highly Recommended:

  • Frozen peas
  • Fresh parsley
  • A splash of red wine

easy beef stew recipe on stove

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Beef Stew on the Stove

  1. Sear the Meat for Extra Flavor
    Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or sturdy pot. Lightly coat beef pieces with flour (if using), then sear in batches—don’t crowd the pan. This creates a deep, rich flavor base.

Tip: Scrape up the browned bits with broth later—they’re flavor gold!

  1. Sauté the Aromatics
    Once the beef is browned and set aside, add onion, garlic, and a spoonful of tomato paste to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the onions are soft and the paste deepens in color.
  2. Add Veggies and Broth
    Stir in carrots, potatoes, and celery. Pour in the beef broth, a dash of Worcestershire, and toss in bay leaf, thyme, and seasonings.
  3. Simmer Gently
    Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Cover loosely and cook for 30 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on how tender you like your beef. Stir now and then for even cooking.

The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor. But even a 45-minute simmer brings cozy comfort in every bite.

  1. Thicken to Your Liking
    As the stew nears done, thicken it your way:
  • Simmer uncovered to naturally reduce
  • Or stir in a cornstarch slurry or gluten-free flour for a heartier, gravy-like texture

💡 Why This Stew Always Delivers (Even for Beginners)

  • One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor
  • Pantry-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients
  • Flexible: Add mushrooms, peas, or swap in sweet potatoes for a twist
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors deepen overnight
  • Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely, portion, and freeze for later

🍷 Optional Upgrades (From My Kitchen)

Depending on what’s in my fridge or pantry, I’ll sometimes:

  • Add ½ cup of red wine with the broth for depth
  • Stir in marjoram or rosemary for a fragrant note
  • Drop in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes for sweetness and color
  • Finish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of brightness

🥄 How to Make Beef Stew a Complete Meal

This stew is filling on its own, but a few sides can make it a true feast:

  • Crusty bread or rolls: Perfect for soaking up the savory sauce
  • Mashed potatoes: Serve stew over top for layers of flavor
  • Light green salad: Tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast
  • Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts: Add texture and color

🧊 Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips

I always double this recipe so I can freeze portions for busy nights. Let the stew cool completely, portion it into containers, and freeze. When you’re short on time, just reheat and enjoy—dinner’s ready in minutes.

Trust me, your future self will thank you!

📝 Final Thoughts: The Best Beef Stew for Busy Days

This isn’t just a weekday dinner—it’s a cold-weather classic, a family favorite, and the kind of dish that fills your home with the smell of slow-cooked goodness. Whether you’re feeding yourself, family, or friends, this stovetop beef stew is always satisfying and hits all the right notes.

Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

❓ FAQ: Stove-Top Beef Stew

  1. Can I use another cut of beef if I don’t have chuck roast?
    Absolutely! Chuck roast is great for tenderness, but stew meat, bottom round, or brisket also work well. Just remember: slow cooking brings out that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  2. How can I make this stew gluten-free?
    Just swap the flour for a gluten-free blend or skip it and use a cornstarch slurry at the end. Double-check your Worcestershire and beef broth for hidden gluten.
  3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
    Let the stew cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  4. Can I make it ahead?
    Yes! This stew actually tastes even better the next day. Make it in advance, cool, and refrigerate—then reheat when you’re ready to serve.
  5. Can I add other vegetables?
    Definitely. Try mushrooms, turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes—just add them so they don’t get too soft as they cook.

👉 Ready to Give It a Try?

Drop your email below for a printable recipe card and my free guide to cozy, make-ahead meals for busy weeknights.

easy beef stew recipe on stove

🥘 Easy Stove-Top Beef Stew Recipe

Alisha
A hearty, one-pot beef stew that’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under an hour, this simple stovetop recipe delivers tender beef, savory vegetables, and a thick, comforting broth—no oven required!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, American / Comfort Food / Brunch
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • Essential:
  • 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 3 potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • tsp sea salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional Add-ins:
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ cup red wine for extra depth
  • Additional herbs: marjoram or rosemary

Instructions
 

  • Sear the Beef:
  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  • Toss beef pieces with flour, shaking off excess.
  • Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides (about 5–6 minutes). Set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics:
  • In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and tomato paste.
  • Sauté for 2–3 minutes until onions soften and tomato paste deepens in color.
  • Add Vegetables & Broth:
  • Stir in carrots, potatoes, and celery.
  • Return browned beef to the pot.
  • Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and (if using) red wine.
  • Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  • Simmer:
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  • Cover loosely and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef and veggies are tender.
  • (For deeper flavor, simmer up to 2 hours.)
  • Thicken Stew:
  • Remove lid for the last 15 minutes to reduce and thicken.
  • For extra thickness, stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water.
  • Finish & Serve:
  • Stir in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Remove bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
  • Pairs well with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Cool stew, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the stew.
Keyword Easy Stove-Top Beef Stew Recipe

easy beef stew recipe on stove

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