As the air turns crisp and leaves crunch underfoot, nothing comforts quite like a bowl of rich, slow-simmered beef stew. This Hearty Autumn Beef Stew is the perfect answer to chilly nights, with tender beef chunks, cozy root vegetables, and a thick, savory broth that warms you from the inside out.

Each spoonful is full of flavor, thanks to the robust combination of herbs, garlic, and a splash of red wine. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this stew brings rustic home-cooked vibes to the table every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Autumn Beef Stew

This dish is everything a fall recipe should be: cozy, filling, and absolutely packed with depth. It’s perfect for families, dinner guests, or a quiet evening with leftovers to spare. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking, and the seasonal vegetables soak up all the delicious juices. Even better, it tastes even more incredible the next day!

What Kind of Beef is Best for Beef Stew?

Chuck roast is your best bet for a stew like this. It has the perfect balance of meat and fat, which breaks down beautifully during a long simmer, giving you those rich, fork-tender pieces everyone loves. If you can’t find chuck, brisket or round can also work, though they might be a bit leaner.

Ingredients for the Hearty Autumn Beef Stew

This stew is all about building layers of flavor with simple, whole ingredients that shine in colder seasons.

Beef chuck roast: Rich in marbling, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering.
Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and hearty texture.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold hold their shape well and soak up all the delicious broth.
Onions: Bring a natural sweetness and depth to the base of the stew.
Garlic: Enhances the savory flavor of the beef and broth.
Tomato paste: Adds umami and a deep richness.
Beef broth: The foundation of your stew, adding bold, savory notes.
Red wine: Optional but highly recommended for extra depth and a touch of acidity.
Bay leaves and fresh thyme: Essential for that earthy, comforting aroma.
Olive oil: For browning the beef and softening the vegetables.
Flour: Used to lightly coat the beef, it helps thicken the stew naturally.
Salt and pepper: The basics that bring out all the other flavors.

How To Make the Hearty Autumn Beef Stew

This dish comes together with just a few simple steps, and the result is well worth the wait.

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Pat the beef chunks dry, then season them with salt and pepper. Lightly coat with flour. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using), scraping up the browned bits. Add in beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.

Step 4: Add Vegetables & Simmer

Return the seared beef to the pot. Add carrots and potatoes. Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, remove bay leaves, taste the stew, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Serving and Storing This Hearty Autumn Beef Stew

This stew is incredibly filling and serves about 6 people generously. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weekend meal with friends. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad, and you’ve got yourself a complete autumn meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it taste even better the next day. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Hearty Autumn Beef Stew?

Looking to round out your meal? These pairings bring balance and added warmth to your table:

Crusty Bread

Sourdough or a warm French baguette is ideal for soaking up every bit of the rich broth.

Mashed Potatoes

If you’re skipping the potatoes in the stew itself, creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect base.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their slight bitterness balances the stew’s richness, and they add a nice crunch.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Quick to make and vibrant on the plate, these keep the meal fresh and colorful.

Apple Walnut Salad

A crisp, tangy salad adds contrast and lightness to the hearty stew.

Buttery Egg Noodles

Serve the stew over a bed of noodles for an extra cozy, filling option.

Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet pairs perfectly with the deep flavors of the stew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and deepen even more. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

What if I don’t have red wine?

You can skip it entirely or substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to mimic the acidity and depth.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

How do I thicken the stew?

The flour used to coat the beef helps naturally thicken the stew. If you want it thicker, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

What other vegetables can I add?

Parsnips, turnips, celery, or even sweet potatoes work wonderfully and add more texture and nutrition.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding parsnips or extra herbs? Did you go with the wine or leave it out?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter and cozier this season.

Find more of my comforting dishes on my Life With Livia Pinterest.

Conclusion

This Hearty Autumn Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth, nourishment, and togetherness to your fall table. Made with love and patience, it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors and slow-cooked goodness. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or saving it all for yourself, every spoonful is a little taste of home.

Hearty Autumn Beef Stew

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Warm your home with this Hearty Autumn Beef Stew, a comforting and nourishing dish perfect for chilly days. This easy dinner recipe combines tender chunks of beef, hearty root vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth simmered to perfection. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, a healthy comfort food option, or a meal that feeds a crowd, this easy recipe delivers rustic charm and bold flavor. It’s ideal for quick reheats, cozy fall evenings, or meal prepping comfort food in advance.

Instructions

1. Pat the beef dry, season with salt and pepper, then lightly coat with flour.

2. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high and sear beef in batches until browned. Set aside.

3. In the same pot, add a little oil if needed and sauté onions and garlic until softened.

4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using), scraping the browned bits.

5. Pour in beef broth and add bay leaves and thyme.

6. Return beef to the pot along with carrots and potatoes.

7. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender.

8. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

9. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Notes

For deeper flavor, let the stew sit overnight in the fridge before serving.

To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for coating the beef.

Add parsnips, celery, or turnips for more veggie variety.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: beef stew, hearty dinner, autumn recipes, cozy comfort food