Best Beef Stew Recipes – 35-Minute Comfort Food

Beef stew is a dish that brings warmth to your kitchen in under an hour.

You can make it with a slow cooker or on the stove. Either way, it’s simple and reliable.

The key is using the right cut of meat and letting it cook long enough to get tender.

About the Ingredients

1.5 lbs (680g) chuck roast

Chuck roast is a budget-friendly cut that becomes tender when cooked slowly. If you don’t have it, use brisket or round roast.

3 cups (750ml) beef broth

Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt. If you prefer, substitute with water and add a dash of soy sauce.

2 cups (300g) diced potatoes

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best. If you want a different texture, try sweet potatoes.

1.5 cups (225g) chopped carrots

Carrots add sweetness and color. If you want to simplify, use frozen carrots instead.

1 cup (150g) chopped celery

Celery helps thicken the stew naturally. If you skip it, add a bit more flour or cornstarch.

2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

Olive oil helps sear the meat and adds a subtle flavor. If you prefer, use butter or vegetable oil.

2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste

Tomato paste deepens the flavor. If you don’t have it, use a small amount of ketchup or canned tomatoes.

1 tbsp (15g) Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce adds umami. If you can’t find it, skip it or use soy sauce as a substitute.

1 tsp (5g) salt

Salt enhances the flavors. Adjust to taste. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, use half the amount.

1/2 tsp (2.5g) black pepper

Black pepper adds a nice kick. Use more or less depending on your preference.

1/2 tsp (2.5g) garlic powder

Garlic powder gives a subtle depth. Fresh garlic can be used if you prefer a more intense flavor.

1/2 tsp (2.5g) onion powder

Onion powder adds a mild sweetness. Substitute with grated fresh onion if you have it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the meat

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds depth to the stew.

2. Add the paste and spices

Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

3. Pour in the broth

Add the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes to start breaking down the meat.

4. Add the vegetables

Toss in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

5. Simmer the stew

Cook for 15 more minutes, or until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to keep the heat consistent.

6. Check the consistency

If the stew is too thick, add a bit more broth. If you want it thicker, let it simmer for a few more minutes uncovered.

7. Let it rest

Turn off the heat and let the stew sit for 10 minutes. This allows the meat to finish cooking and the flavors to settle.

8. Serve and enjoy

Ladle the stew into bowls and serve. It’s ready in 35 minutes and is best eaten warm. Add crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Beef Stew Recipes

Tips & Tricks

• Add the meat first to sear it before adding other ingredients. This helps lock in flavor.
• If the stew gets too thick, add a bit of broth or water to thin it out.
• Let the stew sit for 10 minutes before serving. It makes the meat even softer.
• Use a Dutch oven on the stove for even heat distribution and a richer flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Delicious Variations

• For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Try using mushrooms or green beans for a different vegetable mix.
• Swap the beef for chicken or pork for a lighter alternative.
• Use red wine instead of broth for a deeper, more complex flavor.

This beef stew recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or cold evenings. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes a lot of food. Try it out and let me know how it works for you.

Beef Stew Recipes

This beef stew recipe is a cozy, high-protein meal with tender meat and simple ingredients. Ideal for family dinners and easy to prepare.

15 minPrep time35 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) chuck roast
• 3 cups (750ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (300g) diced potatoes
• 1.5 cups (225g) chopped carrots
• 1 cup (150g) chopped celery
• 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil
• 2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste
• 1 tbsp (15g) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) black pepper
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) onion powder

📋 Instructions

1. 1Sear the meat — Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds depth to the stew.
2. 2Add the paste and spices — Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. 3Pour in the broth — Add the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes to start breaking down the meat.
4. 4Add the vegetables — Toss in the potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
5. 5Simmer the stew — Cook for 15 more minutes, or until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to keep the heat consistent.
6. 6Check the consistency — If the stew is too thick, add a bit more broth. If you want it thicker, let it simmer for a few more minutes uncovered.
7. 7Let it rest — Turn off the heat and let the stew sit for 10 minutes. This allows the meat to finish cooking and the flavors to settle.
8. 8Serve and enjoy — Ladle the stew into bowls and serve. It’s ready in 35 minutes and is best eaten warm. Add crusty bread for a complete meal.

👨🍳 Chef's Note: The meat needs time to soften. Don’t rush it, or the stew won’t be as good. Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Main Course

Simple Cooker Recipes50 minutes

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