Best Beef Stew Recipes – Slow-Cooked Comfort in 35 Minutes

Beef stew is a dish where the meat softens and the flavors deepen over time.

You can use a Dutch oven or a slow cooker, whichever you prefer.

The key is to let the stew simmer long enough for the beef to become tender.

About the Ingredients

1.5 lbs (680g) chuck roast

Chuck roast is ideal for stew because it becomes tender when cooked slowly. Use any tough cut of beef if you don't have this.

2 cups (400g) carrots, sliced

Carrots add sweetness and texture. Use baby carrots if you want to cut prep time.

1 cup (150g) celery, sliced

Celery gives a fresh, slightly bitter balance. Substitute with leeks if you prefer a milder flavor.

1 large onion, chopped

Onion is the base of the flavor. Use a yellow or red onion, whichever you have.

3 cups (720ml) beef broth

Use low-sodium broth to control salt. Water can be used if you're making your own.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Garlic adds depth. Use a garlic press for faster prep.

1 tsp (5g) salt

Adjust based on your broth. Use sea salt for a more intense flavor.

1 tsp (5g) black pepper

Freshly ground black pepper is better. Use it sparingly if you're sensitive to spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides. This locks in flavor and gives the stew a rich taste.

2. Sauté the veggies

Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

3. Add broth and spices

Pour in beef broth and stir in salt and black pepper. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce heat.

4. Simmer the stew

Cover and cook for 35 minutes. The beef should be tender and the flavors rich.

5. Check for doneness

Poke the beef with a fork. If it shreds easily, it's done. If not, let it cook for another 10 minutes.

6. Serve and enjoy

Ladle the stew into bowls. It's best served hot, with crusty bread or rice on the side.

How to Store Beef Stew Recipes

Tips & Tricks

• Use a Dutch oven for even cooking and no cleanup.
• Don’t skip the browning step—it adds umami.
• Let it simmer for at least 35 minutes to ensure tenderness.
• Add frozen vegetables if you're short on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delicious Variations

• Use potatoes for a heartier version.
• Add mushrooms for a deeper umami flavor.
• Substitute chicken broth for a lighter stew.
• Try adding tomatoes for a tangy twist.

This beef stew is simple, comforting, and easy to make. If you're looking for a warm meal that brings people together, this is it. Save it for a rainy day or a busy weeknight.

Beef Stew Recipes

This beef stew recipe is hearty and easy, using simple ingredients to create a deeply flavorful meal in under an hour.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) chuck roast
• 2 cups (400g) carrots, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) celery, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cups (720ml) beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 1 tsp (5g) black pepper

📋 Instructions

1. 1Brown the beef — Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides. This locks in flavor and gives the stew a rich taste.
2. 2Sauté the veggies — Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. 3Add broth and spices — Pour in beef broth and stir in salt and black pepper. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce heat.
4. 4Simmer the stew — Cover and cook for 35 minutes. The beef should be tender and the flavors rich.
5. 5Check for doneness — Poke the beef with a fork. If it shreds easily, it's done. If not, let it cook for another 10 minutes.
6. 6Serve and enjoy — Ladle the stew into bowls. It's best served hot, with crusty bread or rice on the side.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: The slow cooking is what makes this stew special. Don’t rush it.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Simple Cooker Recipes50 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat