Hearty Classic Beef Stew a Onepot Wonder

Classic Beef Stew is a Winner Hearty OnePot Recipe

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 11, 2025

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5.00 (2 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of proper comfort food? Me too! Reminds me of my Nan’s cooking, doesn’t get better than that.

Classic Beef Stew is a hug in a bowl, isn't it? It’s the ultimate dish for a chilly night. What's not to love about tender beef and soft veggies swimming in a rich gravy?

What Makes This Classic Beef Stew so Special?

This isn't just any old stew. This Hearty Beef Stew Recipe has depth. We're talking proper flavour. Originating as peasant food, it’s now a global staple, found in countless variations.

This recipe is a medium difficulty, taking about 2.5- 3 hours from start to finish. This Classic Beef Stew Recipe makes about 6-8 servings.

This Beef Stew Dinner is packed with protein and hearty goodness. Perfect for a Sunday dinner with the family, or any occasion where you need something seriously comforting.

The Benefits of This One-Pot Wonder

This recipe is brilliant. It's a One-Pot Beef Stew Recipe , meaning less washing up! Plus, all those slow cooked veggies release loads of vitamins.

Did you know beef stew is a great source of iron?

Ready to get started? Let's dive into the ingredients.

Your Perfectly Curated List of Ingredients for a step-by-step Beef Stew Recipe

Here's what you'll need to make this Easy Beef Stew Recipe . Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have kicking about.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Stew Starts Here

Hearty Classic Beef Stew a Onepot Wonder presentation

Let's talk ingredients for our Hearty Classic Beef Stew Recipe . Don't worry, it isn't rocket science. We are aiming for Comfort Food Beef Stew at its best.

This beef stew dinner will soon become your fav.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Stew

Beef chuck: 2 lbs ( 900g ), cubed. Look for good marbling, that fat will render down beautifully. Trust me!
Olive oil: 2 tbsp . Adds richness.
Salt: 1 tsp , plus more to taste. Don't be shy.
Black pepper: 1/2 tsp , plus more to taste. Freshly ground is best, innit?
All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp . Helps thicken things up nicely.
Onion: 1 large , chopped. The base of flavour.
Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness.
Celery: 2 stalks , chopped.
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. The stinkin' rose!
Tomato paste: 2 tbsp . Adds depth and colour.
Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp . This is key. Don't skip it!
Beef broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ), low sodium.
Dry red wine: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Optional, but highly recommended.
Bay leaves: 2 . Adds a subtle flavour.
Dried thyme: 1 tsp .
Potatoes: 1 lb ( 450g ), cubed. Yukon Gold or Russet work great.
Turnips: 1 lb ( 450g ), cubed. Optional, but a nice addition.
Frozen peas: 1 cup ( 240g ). Added at the end.
Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp , chopped, for garnish.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bomb!

A good stew needs good seasoning. Classic Beef Stew is a ll about layering flavours.

Thyme and bay leaves are essential. They give it that classic taste.
Worcestershire sauce is your secret weapon. Don't tell anyone!
For a richer flavour, add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end. Seriously.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gear for this Easy Beef Stew Recipe .

A Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot is a must. We are looking for Dutch Oven Beef Stew , I guess.
A sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the veg.
A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.

You could use a regular large pot if you don't have a Dutch oven. Just make sure it's heavy bottomed to prevent scorching.

Now you have step-by-step Beef Stew Recipe which are very easy to follow.

You know? Hearty Beef Stew Recipe is what everyone craves on a cold day. It is your ticket for a super dinner.

Cooking Method: Low and Slow Simmering for Hearty Beef Stew Recipe

Classic Beef Stew is a beloved dish, and the secret to its amazing flavour lies in low and slow simmering.

Honestly, there's no rushing this process. It's like a good cuppa; you can't just microwave it. Patience is key, my friends! Let's dive in.

Prep Steps: Your Essential Mise en Place

First, get organized. It's all about that "mise en place", which is a fancy way of saying get your stuff together.

Chop your onion , carrots , and celery . Cube the beef chuck , making sure to trim off some of that excess fat.

No one wants a greasy stew, do they? Safety Reminder: Always use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board.

It's not worth losing a finger for Easy Beef Stew Recipe .

step-by-step: Low and Slow Bliss

Brown the beef in batches in a Dutch oven. Medium high heat is your friend here. Don't overcrowd the pot!
Sauté your chopped onion , carrots , and celery in the same pot until softened. About 5- 7 minutes should do it.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute .
Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce . Cook for a minute.
Pour in beef broth and add bay leaves and thyme . Bring to a simmer.
Return the browned beef to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5- 2 hours , or until the beef is very tender.
Add potatoes and turnips (if using) and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes , until tender.

Pro Tips for Classic Beef Stew Recipe

Expert Technique: Deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef. It releases all those lovely browned bits stuck to the bottom and adds depth.
Common Mistake: Don't skip browning the beef! It's crucial for flavour. Also, don't rush the simmering. It needs time to work its magic.
make-ahead Option: The flavours deepen overnight. Make a big batch of Comfort Food Beef Stew on Saturday to enjoy on Sunday. It's even better the next day.

Right, off you pop and get stewing! It's honestly a doddle once you get the hang of it. And remember, you will end up with a Dutch Oven Beef Stew guaranteed to please.

Recipe Notes That'll Make Your Stew Sing

Alright, you've got the recipe for this banging Hearty Beef Stew Recipe , but let's chat about those little extras that can take it from good to oh my gosh, this is amazing! Consider this your inside scoop on making a Beef Stew Dinner that everyone will rave about.

Plating Like a Pro and Drinks!

Okay, honestly, sometimes I just shovel it straight from the pot. But, if you're feeling fancy, try ladling the stew into bowls and topping it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour. Serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up that delicious gravy.

It’s perfect with a glass of red wine. A pint of Guiness makes the evening.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Your Classic Beef Stew Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Important : Make sure it's piping hot all the way through! For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Just thaw it completely before reheating.

Twists and Turns

Here's your perfectly curated list of 10 ! Want to switch things up? Try swapping the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavour.

For a Classic Beef Stew , make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend to coat the beef. Boom! Need something lighter? Ditch potatoes and add butternut squash and diced apples.

Nutrition Nuggets

Easy Beef Stew Recipe can be very good for you. We have meat, vegetables, and stock. It’s packed with protein and essential nutrients. Keep in mind that these are only estimates.

So Easy even Grandma can make it!

Look. Classic Beef Stew is a proper hug in a bowl. It’s not about perfection; it’s about getting stuck in and enjoying the process.

So, don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Remember step-by-step Beef Stew Recipe is all about flavour, so have fun with it! This recipe is worth every single second and is Comfort Food Beef Stew.

Delicious Comfort Classic Beef Stew Recipe Youll Love

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to brown the beef for Classic Beef Stew?

Browning the beef isn't just for looks, it's about flavour! That lovely brown crust that forms is the result of the Maillard reaction, which creates hundreds of complex flavour compounds that add depth and richness to your Classic Beef Stew is a dish that benefits greatly from this step.

Don't skip it, or your stew will be missing that essential "oomph".

Can I make this Classic Beef Stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, brown the beef as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 40-45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.

What's the best way to store leftover Classic Beef Stew?

Leftover beef stew is a gift that keeps on giving! Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

My Classic Beef Stew is a bit thin. How can I thicken it?

No worries, this is a common issue! The easiest way to thicken your stew is to mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (cornflour) with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to thicken it naturally, like a proper country cook would do.

Can I add other vegetables to my Classic Beef Stew?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your stew with your favourite vegetables. Parsnips, swede (rutabaga), and mushrooms are all great additions. Just be mindful of the cooking times add harder vegetables earlier in the process and softer vegetables towards the end to prevent them from becoming mushy, you don't want it turning into baby food!

What kind of beef cut is best for Classic Beef Stew and why?

Beef chuck is the champion for beef stew. It's a tougher cut with plenty of marbling (that's the fat!), which breaks down during the long, slow cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and flavourful beef. It's economical and built for stewing, whereas cuts like sirloin would become dry and sad.