Nothing says comfort quite like a steaming bowl of homemade Beef and Potato Stew. This timeless recipe combines tender chunks of slow-cooked beef, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, onions, and a rich, savory broth into a meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little comfort food. Best of all, it’s a one-pot recipe that’s easy to prepare and tastes even better the next day.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals for the week ahead, this classic stew is filling, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, hearty comfort food
• Perfect for meal prep
• One-pot meal with easy cleanup
• Great for slow cooking or stovetop
• Packed with protein and vegetables
• Freezer-friendly

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Ingredients

For the Stew

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves

Vegetables

• 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Optional Additions

• Mushrooms
• Green beans
• Corn
• Sweet potatoes
• Red wine (½ cup for extra depth)
• Fresh thyme sprigs

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Pat the beef dry with paper towels.

Season with salt and pepper.

Toss lightly with flour.

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Brown the beef in batches for about 3–4 minutes per side.

Remove and set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add:

• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook for 5–6 minutes.

Add garlic and cook for another minute.

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Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in:

• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Pour in beef broth while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Return beef to the pot.

Add bay leaves.

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Step 4: Simmer

Cover and simmer on low heat for:

1½ to 2 hours

The beef should become fork tender.

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Step 5: Add Potatoes

Stir in the potatoes.

Cook another 30–40 minutes until tender.

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Step 6: Finish

Add frozen peas during the final 5 minutes.

Remove bay leaves.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve hot.

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Slow Cooker Directions

1. Brown the beef first.
2. Add everything except peas and parsley to the slow cooker.
3. Cook:
   • Low: 8 hours
   • High: 4–5 hours
4. Stir in peas during the last 20 minutes.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

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Instant Pot Directions

1. Use the Sauté function to brown the beef.
2. Cook onions and garlic.
3. Add broth and seasonings.
4. Pressure cook for 35 minutes.
5. Quick release.
6. Add potatoes and pressure cook another 5 minutes.
7. Stir in peas and parsley.

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Tips for the Best Beef Stew

• Use beef chuck roast for the most tender results.
• Brown the meat well to develop deep flavor.
• Simmer slowly rather than boiling.
• Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape beautifully.
• Make it a day ahead—the flavors deepen overnight.
• If the stew is too thin, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering stew until thickened.

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Serving Suggestions

This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty artisan bread
• Buttery dinner rolls
• Homemade biscuits
• Cornbread
• Side salad
• Roasted vegetables

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Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 465
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 760mg

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Recipe Variations

Irish Beef Stew

Add Guinness stout and parsnips for a rich Irish-inspired version.

Rustic Vegetable Stew

Increase the vegetables and reduce the beef for a lighter meal.

Spicy Beef Stew

Add diced jalapeños, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Herb Garden Stew

Finish with fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley for vibrant flavor.

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Final Thoughts

Beef and Potato Stew is the definition of classic comfort food. Slow-cooked until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the vegetables are infused with a rich, savory broth, it’s a satisfying meal that brings warmth to any table. Whether served with fresh bread on a cold evening or enjoyed as leftovers the next day, this hearty stew is a timeless recipe worth making again and again.