Ultimate Beef Stew

Name: Ultimate Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 carrots, sliced; 3 potatoes, diced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup red wine; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the rich, hearty flavors of this Ultimate Beef Stew, a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2025-12-20T22:40:54.140Z

This Ultimate Beef Stew is a family favorite, filled with tender chunks of beef, seasonal vegetables, and a savory broth that will warm your heart.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Melt-in-your-mouth beef that's full of flavor
Hearty vegetables that add nutrition and texture
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

      

The Perfect Comfort Food

There's something about a steaming bowl of beef stew that brings a sense of comfort and warmth. As the rich aroma fills your kitchen, it invites everyone to gather around the table. This Ultimate Beef Stew is not just food; it’s an experience that wraps you in a cozy hug after a long day. Whether it’s a cold winter night or a rainy afternoon, this stew is the perfect dish to make you feel at home.

The blend of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and robust seasoning creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Each bite is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, making this stew an ideal choice for family dinners and gatherings with friends. Prepare to be asked for seconds—or even thirds!

A Family Recipe Tradition

Many families have their own special beef stew recipes passed down through generations, each with unique twists and personal touches. This Ultimate Beef Stew recipe is designed to be easily customizable, allowing you to incorporate your family’s favorite ingredients. Perhaps you’d like to add some mushrooms for an earthy flavor or swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

Sharing a meal like this not only nourishes the body but also strengthens family bonds. Gather around the table, share stories, and create new memories with each serving. This stew is not just a meal; it’s a tradition waiting to be cherished.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best features of this Ultimate Beef Stew is its convenience for meal prep. Make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat meals for the week ahead. Simply portion the stew into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer. It reheats beautifully, making it a great go-to for busy weeknights.

Not only does this stew save you time, but it also minimizes food waste. Leftovers can easily be transformed into new meals—think beef stew pie or a hearty beef stew pasta. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you have a delicious meal waiting for you, all while enjoying the rich flavors that get even better with time.

Ingredients

For the Stew

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley

Gather all these ingredients for a delicious stew experience!

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Add carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Add the browned beef back to the pot along with beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Stew

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy your Ultimate Beef Stew hot!

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread!

Nutritional Benefits

This Ultimate Beef Stew is packed with essential nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for your dinner table. The beef provides a rich source of protein and iron, crucial for muscle health and energy levels. Meanwhile, the colorful array of vegetables like carrots and potatoes adds vitamins and minerals that complement the dish, ensuring a balanced meal.

Additionally, the inclusion of red wine not only enhances the flavor profile but also offers antioxidants, promoting heart health. Together, these ingredients create a nourishing stew that warms the body and fuels your day.

Cooking Tips for Success

To achieve the most tender beef, it’s essential to brown the meat properly before adding it to the stew. This step caramelizes the meat’s natural sugars, creating a rich depth of flavor. Don’t rush this process; take your time to ensure each piece is nicely browned.

Another tip is to let the stew simmer gently. A slow and low cooking method allows the beef to break down and become tender, while the flavors meld beautifully. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning towards the end to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Ultimate Beef Stew with crusty bread or soft rolls to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. A side salad can also complement the meal, adding a refreshing crunch that balances the hearty stew. For a complete dinner experience, consider pairing it with a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe.

For a comforting twist, serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or rice, creating a satisfying meal that warms both the body and soul. No matter how you serve it, this stew is sure to become a favorite!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stove, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

→ What kind of beef is best for stew?

Beef chuck is ideal for stew as it becomes tender and flavorful after long cooking times.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, green beans, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.