Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Classic Beef Stew. This timeless dish is the very definition of cozy, hearty comfort food. Rich, savory broth, tender chunks of beef, and soft vegetables create a medley of flavors that taste like home with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor.

Whether you’re battling a chilly day or just want to gather your family around the dinner table for something nostalgic and satisfying, beef stew delivers. Its simplicity is part of the charm: everyday ingredients transform into something truly special after a slow simmer.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Stew

This stew checks all the boxes: it’s filling, nutritious, and surprisingly easy to make. The flavors deepen beautifully as the stew simmers, and it makes even better leftovers. It’s a dish that practically begs for crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes on the side. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time for meal planning or serve it up for Sunday supper.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use?

Chuck roast is your best bet for a stew that melts in your mouth. It has the perfect amount of marbling and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during slow cooking. If you can’t find chuck, beef stew meat or brisket can work, though you might sacrifice some richness. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin that tend to dry out during long cooking.

Ingredients for the Classic Beef Stew

Every ingredient in this stew plays an important role, building deep flavor and texture from start to finish.

Beef chuck roast
Yellow onions
Garlic
Carrots
Celery stalks
Baby potatoes
Tomato paste
Beef broth
Bay leaves
Fresh thyme
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
All-purpose flour
Red wine (optional, but adds wonderful depth)

How To Make the Classic Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss the beef chunks in flour, salt, and pepper. Sear in batches until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring to coat.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up the flavorful bits. Add the seared beef back in, followed by beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 4: Add Potatoes

After the beef has softened, stir in the potatoes. Cook uncovered for another 30 to 40 minutes until everything is fork-tender and the stew has thickened.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Discard the bay leaves and thyme stems. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

How to Serve and Store This Classic Beef Stew

This stew feeds around 6 people generously and can easily be doubled for a larger crowd. It’s best served warm, ladled into bowls with a side of buttered bread or over creamy mashed potatoes. For storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – just reheat gently on the stove.

What to Serve With Classic Beef Stew?

Crusty Artisan Bread

The chewy texture and crisp crust are perfect for dunking into the savory broth.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Serve the stew over a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The bitterness of Brussels sprouts balances the richness of the stew.

Garlic Green Beans

Bright and garlicky, these add a fresh note to the plate.

Caesar Salad

A chilled salad with creamy dressing pairs well with the warmth of the stew.

Polenta

Creamy or grilled polenta is a delicious and unexpected companion.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Their soft texture is ideal for soaking up the stew’s gravy.

Simple Arugula Salad

Peppery greens lighten up the overall meal.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Cozy Twist?

If you love this Classic Beef Stew, you’ll probably enjoy these comforting favorites too:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta with a silky tomato sauce that hugs every noodle.
No Peek Chicken Casserole for a hands-off, oven-baked meal.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole if you’re craving deep savory flavors with minimal effort.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells when you want something rich and indulgent.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for something lighter, yet still filling and flavorful.

Save This Recipe 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 use wine or skip it? Did you go with potatoes or serve it over noodles?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore more cozy stews, healthy soups, and comfort food classics on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next family favorite.

Conclusion

Classic Beef Stew is a timeless recipe for good reason. It brings people together, it warms from the inside out, and it turns everyday ingredients into something wonderful. Once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to it, especially when the weather calls for something hearty and homemade.