Classic Beef Stew

Classic Beef Stew

A hearty, soul-warming beef stew made the old-fashioned way — tender chunks of beef braised low and slow with carrots, potatoes, and celery in a rich, savory broth. This is the kind of stew that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and tastes even better the next day. Simple, reliable, and deeply satisfying.

6 servings · Prep 25 min · Cook 120 min · Total 145 min

Main Course

  • 2 lb beef chuck roast cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt for seasoning the beef
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
  • 3 cup beef broth low-sodium
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 whole carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 stalks celery sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Dutch Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Pie Dish
  • Pot
  • Paper Towel
  • Fork
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Lid
  • Knife
  • Pan
  • Tongs
  • Ladle
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
  • Dipping Fork

Instructions

  1. Preheat your #[Oven] to ![325°F]. Pat the @[Beef Chuck Roast] cubes completely dry with paper towels — this is the single most important step for a good sear. Season all sides generously with @[Salt] and @[Black Pepper], then toss with the @[All-Purpose Flour] until lightly coated.
  2. Heat the @[Olive Oil] in a large #[Dutch Oven] over ^[medium-high heat] until shimmering. Working in 2–3 batches (don't crowd the pan), sear the @[Beef Chuck Roast] for about ~[2–3 minutes] per side until a deep brown crust forms. Transfer seared beef to a plate and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to ^[medium]. Add the chopped @[Yellow Onion] to the same pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about ~[4–5 minutes] until softened. Add the @[Garlic] and @[Tomato Paste], and cook for ~[1 more minute], stirring constantly, until the paste darkens slightly and smells fragrant.
  4. If using @[Red Wine], pour it in now and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a #[Wooden Spoon] — this is called deglazing and adds huge flavor. Let the wine simmer for ~[2–3 minutes] until reduced by half.
  5. Return the seared @[Beef Chuck Roast] (and any juices on the plate) to the pot. Pour in the @[Beef Broth] and @[Worcestershire Sauce]. Add the @[Thyme], @[Rosemary], and @[Bay Leaves]. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the preheated #[Oven]. Braise for ~[1 hour].
  7. After ~[1 hour], carefully remove the pot from the #[Oven]. Add the @[Yukon Gold Potatoes], @[Carrots], and @[Celery]. Stir to combine, re-cover, and return to the oven for another ~[45–55 minutes], until the vegetables are fork-tender and the @[Beef Chuck Roast] is fall-apart soft.
  8. Remove the pot from the #[Oven]. Discard the @[Bay Leaves]. If you'd like a thicker stew, place the pot on the ^[stovetop over medium heat] and simmer uncovered for ~[10–15 minutes], stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  9. If using @[Peas], stir them in now and let them warm through for ~[2 minutes]. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with @[Salt] and @[Black Pepper] as needed.
  10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped @[Parsley] if desired. Serve with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a complete meal.