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a bowl of stew with meat and vegetables

🥘 Easy Stove-Top Beef Stew Recipe

Sofia Martinez
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!
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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
  • 1½ 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