Classic Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots

Classic Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots is one of the most comforting and timeless dishes you can prepare. It’s hearty, warm, and rich in flavor, making it ideal for cold evenings, family gatherings, or a satisfying weekend meal. Tender chunks of beef simmered slowly with potatoes, carrots, onions, and aromatic herbs create a deep, savory broth that feels like home in every spoonful. This dish has stood the test of time because it combines simplicity with bold, satisfying flavors that never disappoint.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because of the slow-cooked tenderness that transforms inexpensive beef cuts into melt-in-your-mouth bites. The vegetables absorb all the beefy goodness, and the broth turns into a flavorful, silky gravy that coats every ingredient beautifully. It’s a dish that warms the soul, fills the stomach, and brings people together.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s budget-friendly, deeply flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. With basic ingredients and minimal active cooking time, you can create a meal that tastes like it came out of a high-end kitchen. It’s ideal for meal prepping, reheats beautifully, and suits both beginners and experienced cooks.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Cooking Time : 2 hours

Servings : 6 servings

Calories : Approximately 380 calories per serving

Course : Main Course

Cuisine : American Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Stew

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot and brown the beef on all sides.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for one minute.
4. Add beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Add potatoes and carrots, and continue to simmer for another 45–60 minutes.
7. Mix flour with a little water to thicken the stew if needed.
8. Remove bay leaves, garnish, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides. This step builds the base flavor of the stew.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add chopped onions to the pot and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and let it cook for about one minute to deepen its flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth and water. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, allowing the beef to tenderize.

Step 6: Add Potatoes and Carrots

Add diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Cover and simmer for another 45–60 minutes until everything is fork-tender.

Step 7: Adjust Thickness

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons flour with a little cold water, then stir it into the stew. Cook for a few minutes until thickened.

Step 8: Serve

Remove bay leaves, adjust seasonings, and garnish with fresh parsley.

How to Serve

Serve the beef stew hot in deep bowls. Pair it with crusty bread, biscuits, or buttered dinner rolls. It also goes well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad on the side. For an elevated presentation, top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper.

Recipe Tips

• Browning the beef properly creates the deepest flavor.
• Use beef chuck for the best tenderness after long simmering.
• Add potatoes later to prevent them from turning mushy.
• For richer flavor, replace water with additional broth.
• Let the stew rest for 20 minutes before serving for enhanced taste.

Variations

Red Wine Beef Stew

Replace 1 cup of broth with a full-bodied red wine for deeper flavor.

Guinness Beef Stew

Swap part of the broth with Guinness beer for a robust, earthy broth.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Brown the beef first, then cook everything on low for 7–8 hours.

Spicy Beef Stew

Add red pepper flakes, chipotle, or sliced jalapeños for heat.

Tomato-Rich Stew

Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tangier, more tomato-forward flavor.

Freezing and Storage Time

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers delicious.

Freezing

• Freeze the stew for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Ladle

Conclusion

Classic Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots is a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth, depth, and hearty satisfaction to your table. Its rich broth, tender beef, and perfectly cooked vegetables make it ideal for cozy dinners or family gatherings. With versatile variations, excellent make-ahead potential, and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. If you’d like more stew or comfort food recipes, feel free to ask.