Here’s a hearty, classic beef stew recipe — tender, flavorful chunks of beef, rich broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables. Comfort food at its finest.

🥘 Classic Beef Stew

Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

For the stew

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1–1.5 inch cubes
Salt & pepper
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging)
3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth (or stock)
1 cup red wine (optional, can replace with more broth)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
2 bay leaves
4 medium carrots, cut into chunks
3–4 medium potatoes, cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)

Instructions

1. Brown the beef

Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt & pepper.
Lightly dredge in flour.
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Brown beef in batches until deep golden on all sides.
Remove beef and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics

In the same pot, add onion and celery. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Deglaze and build flavor

Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute.
Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits.
Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves.
Return beef to the pot.

4. Simmer the stew

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer 1.5–2 hours, until beef is tender.

5. Add vegetables

Add carrots, potatoes, and celery.
Simmer 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender.

6. Finish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt & pepper.
Stir in peas (if using) and simmer 2–3 minutes.
Remove bay leaves before serving.

Tips for Perfect Stew

Use beef chuck — it becomes tender and flavorful.
Brown the meat well — this adds depth to the stew.
Low and slow cooking is key for tenderness.
Thicken naturally: If stew is thin, mix 1–2 tbsp flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir in near the end.
Make ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.

I can also give you a slow cooker version, Instant Pot version, or a red wine-rich version if you want something extra cozy.