Beef stew is one of those classic comfort foods that bring people together, offering a rich and savory experience that is perfect for cold weather or any time you’re craving something hearty. This “Best Ever Beef Stew” recipe is designed to deliver a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew
This stew stands out for several reasons. First, it uses beef stew meat that gets wonderfully tender when slow-cooked, absorbing the flavors of the broth and vegetables. The seasoning is simple yet flavorful, and the slow-cooking process ensures that every ingredient is perfectly melded together. The potatoes, carrots, and celery provide both texture and flavor, while the rich broth made with Worcestershire sauce, beef demi-glace, and a few other key ingredients elevates the dish to the next level.
Whether you’re making this stew for a cozy family dinner or preparing a meal ahead of time, it’s the perfect way to enjoy comforting, home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients: A Perfect Combination of Flavor and Texture
For this stew, we’ll use a variety of ingredients to ensure the dish is both hearty and full of flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Look for cuts like chuck roast or round, which are ideal for slow-cooking and become tender over time.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Used to coat the beef, which helps in browning and thickening the stew.
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt: A key ingredient to season the beef before browning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the onions.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning the beef and broth.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
- 2 bay leaves: Imparts a subtle, herbal flavor to the broth.
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami-rich layer to the stew.
- 2 cups water: To form the liquid base for the stew.
- 2 heaping teaspoons beef demi-glace (or beef Swanson Flavor Boost): This ingredient gives the stew its rich, concentrated beef flavor. If you don’t have demi-glace, the beef flavor boost is a great substitute.
- 4 medium to large red-skinned potatoes, washed and diced: Red potatoes hold their shape well in stews and provide a nice texture.
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds sweetness and color to the dish.
- 1 stalk celery, diced: A classic addition that adds crunch and flavor.
Instructions: How to Make the Best Ever Beef Stew
1. Coat the Beef:
Start by placing the beef stew meat into a resealable plastic bag. Add the flour and seasoning salt. Seal the bag and shake until the beef is evenly coated with the flour mixture. This will help to thicken the stew later and give the beef a nice sear when browned.
2. Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured beef to the pan and brown it on all sides. This step is important because it creates a delicious crust on the beef, which will add rich flavor to the stew. Once browned, remove the beef using a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer it into the bottom of a slow cooker. Season the beef with black pepper.
3. Sauté the Onion:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté it for about 2 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet before this step—the browned bits left from the beef will add extra flavor to the stew! Once the onion is sautéed, transfer it into the slow cooker along with the beef.
4. Add Liquids and Flavorings:
To the slow cooker, add the Worcestershire sauce, water, and beef demi-glace (or Swanson Flavor Boost). Stir everything together to combine. Add the bay leaves for extra depth of flavor.
5. Add Vegetables:
Next, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and diced celery to the slow cooker. These vegetables will soak up the flavorful broth while also contributing their own natural sweetness and texture to the stew. Give everything a good stir to mix.
6. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. The long cooking time allows the beef to become wonderfully tender and the flavors to meld together.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Once the stew is done cooking, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce, depending on your preference. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes.
Variations and Tips
- Add Extra Veggies: You can add other vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or green beans to the stew for added texture and flavor.
- Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew towards the end of the cooking time.
- Pressure Cooker Option: If you’re short on time, you can make this stew in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure for 35-40 minutes, then allow it to release naturally. It’s a great shortcut for a quicker, yet still tender, stew.
- Freezer-Friendly: This stew freezes beautifully. Make a large batch, let it cool, and store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion: A Classic Comfort Food
This Best Ever Beef Stew is a perfect example of why classic comfort food never goes out of style. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, flavorful broth is the ultimate winter meal that will warm you from the inside out. It’s easy to make, especially when you use a slow cooker to let the ingredients slowly come together over several hours.
Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day, this stew will quickly become a go-to recipe for cozy nights in.
Enjoy!