This basic beef stew recipe is hearty, comforting, and packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for a cozy dinner on chilly nights.
Inspired by the slow-cooked flavors of Crockpot Venison Stew, this recipe keeps things simple while delivering deep, homey flavors. The combination of seared beef and slow-simmered vegetables makes this dish feel like a classic straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Why You'll Love Basic Beef Stew
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a beginner-friendly dish.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Ingredients
This beef stew recipe is made with the most basic ingredients and ones you likely already have on hand!
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients.
How To Make Basic Beef Stew Recipe
Sear
Sear stew meat with olive oil in a hot pan until browned. Remove from pot and set aside.
Saute
Saute onion and garlic in same pot beef was seared in.
Simmer
Return beef to pot and add remaining ingredients. Simmer 30 minutes, til vegetables are tender.
Thicken
Mix flour and water, stir into hot beef stew mixture and bring to a boil. Simmer until thickened.
Add peas
Stir in frozen peas.
Heat
Heat Beef Stew until peas are warmed, about 2 minutes.
See recipe card below for full instructions.
Ingredient Substitution Ideas
Broth: Substitute with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
Beef: Swap for boneless chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and nutrient-rich option.
Variations to Try
Spicy Beef Stew: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Herb-Infused Stew: Stir in fresh rosemary and thyme for extra depth.
Tomato-Based Stew: Mix in crushed tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Top Tips for the Best Beef Stew
Taste and Adjust: Add salt and pepper at the end to balance flavors.
Brown the Beef: Searing the beef before simmering locks in flavor.
Low and Slow Cooking: Simmering on low heat ensures tender meat.
Thicken the Broth: Mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir in for a thicker consistency.
How to Store Leftovers
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Heat on the stovetop on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Or, warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent uneven heating.
Related Recipes
Serve with..
- Serve with warm homemade soft white bread to soak up the rich broth.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy over mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower for an extra comforting twist.
When you make this Basic Beef Stew recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Basic Beef Stew Recipe
Equipment
- Flathead wooden spoon
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Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 1 large garlic clove , minced
- ½ medium onion , diced
- 2 large carrots , chunked
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon gravy master
- 10 baby potatoes , cut in half
- 1¼ cup frozen peas
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Heat a large non-stick pot over medium heat. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Add the stew beef. Season with the salt and pepper and cook 4 minutes, or until browned. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the same pan the beef was cooked in and 4 minutes, or until onion becomes soft.
- Return the stew beef to the pot along with the, beef broth, gravy master, potatoes, carrots, thyme, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil. Turn heat down to low and gently boil the veggies until they are just tender.
- Add the frozen peas and simmer for 2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour and water together until smooth. Stir the flour mixture into gently boiling stew stirring constantly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
I have been making this recipe for many years now and made it again today. Love this for a simple recipe with basic ingredients. It's full of flavor and ready to eat in under an hour! Great for a chilly day.
Anonymous says
Man that looks tasty!
From Valeries Kitchen says
I always crave beef stew at this time of year. We are having unusually warm weather here in Northern CA but I believe it's supposed to get very chilly this weekend. This is looking really good for the cold weather coming!
Grandma Kat @ Easy Recipes Land says
I'm soo excited to try out this new recipe! I have my great grand children coming over this weekend and I think I'm going to run to the grocery store and get the ingredients to this recipe right now.
Who doesn't love beef stew? Thanks so much for this recipe.
Grandma Kat
XOXOXOXOXO
Pam says
The stew looks hearty, healthy, and delicious.
Kathleen says
Hey Shelby! Love your new look! This beef stew looks delish and your photos are beautiful!!!
teresa says
love your new blog header, how cute! this beef stew looks wonderful! just the thing for a cold day.
RebekahRose says
I love beef stew with a good hearty homemade bread! Yumm! Great for those cool evenings. 🙂
bellini says
It has been a while since I made stew as well Shelby. The winter and comfort food is not over yet, even if I was wishing otherwise.
Michele O'Donnell says
This looks delish! We have beef stew 2 or 3 times a month. We never use a recipe and it always turns out great.
Peggy Clyde says
I'm not a very good stew or soup maker, but I think I can make this stew. Thanks.