There are few dishes as comforting and soul-warming as a traditional beef stew. With tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory broth alongside hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas, this dish brings the kind of flavor that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s the kind of meal that gathers people around the table and makes you slow down to enjoy every bite.

Whether you’re cooking it for Sunday dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, beef stew is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Its rustic charm and deeply satisfying taste make it a go-to in kitchens around the world. It also happens to be a one-pot wonder, which makes clean-up as satisfying as the meal itself.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Beef Stew

This stew hits all the right notes—tender beef, velvety broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s also highly customizable: add mushrooms, omit peas, or adjust the seasoning to your taste.

The best part? It’s a freezer-friendly recipe that tastes just as amazing reheated. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had even more time to marry.

What Cut of Beef Works Best for Traditional Stew?

When making a traditional beef stew, choosing the right cut of meat is key. Tougher cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or round are ideal because they become melt-in-your-mouth tender after a long simmer. Avoid quick-cooking steaks—they’ll dry out and lose their texture.

Chuck roast is particularly popular due to its marbling and deep flavor. When cooked low and slow, the fat breaks down beautifully, giving your stew richness and depth. Just remember to cut the beef into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate.

Ingredients for the Traditional Beef Stew

Each ingredient in this stew has a purpose, building the depth and heartiness that makes this dish unforgettable.

Beef Chuck Roast: The star of the dish, this cut becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking and provides a robust beefy flavor.
Potatoes: They absorb the flavorful broth and add a satisfying, starchy component.
Carrots: Naturally sweet and colorful, they balance out the richness of the stew.
Onion: Adds an aromatic base that deepens the flavor of the broth.
Garlic: Just a few cloves add warmth and complexity.
Tomato Paste: Boosts umami and helps thicken the broth.
Beef Broth: The liquid backbone that brings everything together and intensifies the flavor.
Red Wine (optional): Adds a deep, complex note that elevates the stew.
Frozen Peas: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
Bay Leaf and Fresh Thyme: Classic herbs that infuse the broth with earthy, fragrant notes.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the stew.
Flour: Lightly coats the beef before browning, helping to thicken the stew naturally.
Olive Oil or Butter: For browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics.

How To Make the Traditional Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by cutting the beef into chunks and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Coat lightly in flour. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches. This step locks in flavor and builds a deep base.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions and garlic until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize slightly to bring out its sweetness.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in red wine (if using) to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. These bits add incredible flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Return the beef to the pot, add beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Add in the carrots and potatoes and continue simmering for another 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in the peas and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Serving and Storing Traditional Beef Stew

This Traditional Beef Stew is ideal for serving a family-style dinner or a cozy meal for two with plenty of leftovers. The recipe feeds approximately 6 people generously, making it a great choice for small gatherings or weekly meal prep.

To store, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency.

What to Serve With Traditional Beef Stew?

Crusty Bread

The rich broth practically begs for a piece of warm, crusty bread to soak it all up.

Mashed Potatoes

For an extra hearty meal, serve the stew over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes.

Steamed Green Beans

The fresh, crisp texture of green beans provides a nice contrast to the rich stew.

A Simple Side Salad

Balance the warm and hearty stew with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Buttery Egg Noodles

Ladle the stew over a bowl of egg noodles for a comforting twist on a classic.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the depth of the beef stew.

Yorkshire Pudding

A traditional English pairing that adds an airy, buttery bite to the meal.

Red Wine

If you used red wine in the stew, pour a glass to enjoy alongside for a perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make beef stew in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, beef stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.

2. What can I use instead of red wine?
If you’d prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

3. How do I thicken my stew if it’s too thin?
You can mash some of the potatoes in the stew or mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken the broth.

4. Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

5. Can I use other vegetables?
Definitely. Mushrooms, parsnips, or even sweet potatoes can all be great additions. Just be mindful of cooking times for different veggies.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or skip the wine? Did you toss in a few extra herbs?
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Conclusion

Traditional Beef Stew is the kind of dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a meal that’s deeply flavorful and truly satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or from the freezer, this classic stew always brings warmth to the table.

Traditional Beef Stew

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

This hearty and rich Traditional Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or Sunday family dinners. Loaded with tender beef, chunky vegetables, and simmered in a savory broth, it’s an easy recipe ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, meal prep inspiration, or healthy one-pot meals, this beef stew fits the bill with its warm, satisfying flavors and freezer-friendly nature. Great for weeknight meals, winter dinners, or when you simply crave a comforting bowl of goodness.