There’s nothing quite like the cozy, satisfying goodness of a bowl of rich, hearty stew. This Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe brings together tender chunks of beef, silky potatoes, and sweet carrots all simmered to perfection—trust me, it’s worth every minute you spend making it.

The image shows a close-up of a rich beef stew with chunky layers of brown beef pieces, bright yellow potato chunks, and thick orange carrot pieces all soaked in a glossy, deep reddish-brown sauce. The beef has a textured, browned surface, the potatoes are smooth and slightly shiny, and the carrots have a soft yet firm appearance. Scattered green thyme leaves add a fresh contrast on the top layer, while the sauce gently pools around the ingredients, enhancing their colors and textures. The dish is shown in a close frame with a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love this Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe because it’s the kind of comfort food that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Plus, it’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company.

Simple Ingredients: Using everyday staples means you won’t have to run all over town to find something special.
Tender, Flavorful Beef: Slow-cooking the chuck roast makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Balanced Vegetables: Carrots and Yukon Gold potatoes add sweetness and creaminess without overpowering the meat.
Versatility: It’s easy to add your favorite veggies or swap ingredients, making this stew your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe plays a role in building those deep, savory layers of flavor. From the hearty beef chuck to the fragrant thyme, here’s what you’ll want to look for when shopping.

Flat lay of fresh chunks of raw beef chuck roast, a small mound of kosher salt, a small heap of coarsely ground black pepper, a small white bowl of gluten-free all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of olive oil, half a yellow onion cut into large pieces, four whole garlic cloves unpeeled, one large fresh carrot cut into thick chunks, two Yukon Gold potatoes diced into chunky pieces, a small white bowl filled with rich beef broth, a small white bowl with deep red tomato paste, one fresh bay leaf, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme leaves placed on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef Chuck Roast: This cut has just the right amount of fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Kosher Salt & Coarsely Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the beef’s natural taste without overpowering it.
Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a lovely, slightly thickened sauce by coating the beef before browning.
Olive Oil: A great cooking fat that browns the beef beautifully and adds richness.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, caramelizing slightly as it cooks.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch of warmth and aroma that blends perfectly with the beef.
Carrot: Its natural sweetness balances the savory notes and softens just right during cooking.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These hold their shape well and add a buttery texture.
Beef Broth: The stew’s base—rich broth ensures every bite is flavorful and comforting.
Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle, tangy depth and gorgeous color.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret umami booster that intensifies beefy flavor.
Bay Leaf: Imparts an earthy, fragrant background note during slow cooking.
Fresh Thyme Leaves: Added at the end for a fresh herbal touch that lifts the stew.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I enjoy most about this Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Sometimes, I throw in mushrooms or swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a different vibe.

Variation: Once, I added parsnips and celery for extra sweetness and crunch. It was a game changer and gave the stew even more complexity.
Make it Gluten-Free: Just swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free blend (like I do here) and you're good to go.
Heat It Up: If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when browning the meat—it adds such a nice warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe

The image shows a round black pot filled with a rich brown stew, with three main visible layers: at the bottom is a glossy, thick brown sauce with a slight shine, layered with medium-sized chunks of caramelized dark brown meat scattered throughout, then bright orange carrot pieces and golden yellow whole small potatoes are mixed evenly across the pot, with small pieces of translucent cooked onions also visible. Tiny green thyme leaves are sprinkled over the stew, adding a touch of fresh green color. The pot rests on a round wooden board, placed on a white marbled surface next to a gray cloth and a black pepper grinder. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef

Start by cutting your beef chuck roast into 2-inch chunks and trimming any excess fat. I season it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then toss it with gluten-free flour. This coating helps create a rich crust when browning and thickens the stew later. Don’t rush this step—it really builds the foundation.

Step 2: Brown the Beef in Batches

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat and brown the beef chunks a few pieces at a time. It’s crucial not to crowd the pan—crowding traps moisture and prevents that beautiful caramelization. Each batch should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, set the beef aside. The browned bits left at the bottom? Those are pure gold for flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Carrot

In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chunked carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until everything smells fragrant and the onions turn lightly golden. This step softens the veggies and integrates their flavors into the stew’s base.

Step 4: Build the Stew Base and Combine

Add diced Yukon Gold potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and fresh thyme to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s where the magic is. Stir everything to combine, then gently nestle the browned beef back in.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover your Dutch oven and transfer it to a 325°F preheated oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours. I like to check at the 2-hour mark—you're aiming for melt-in-your-mouth beef that's tender but not falling apart. When done, fish out the bay leaf and taste. Add more salt or pepper if it needs a little lift.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make my Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe shine every time—let me share the best ones.

Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t rush browning the meat; that crust forms the beefy flavor backbone. Do it in batches for best results.
Don’t Skip Scraping: Those browned bits on the pot’s bottom aren’t just stuck-on food—they’re pure flavor locked in. Scrape them up with your liquid for an unbeatable base.
Low and Slow: Cooking the stew at a low oven temperature makes every bite tender, juicy, and perfectly flavored.
Season at the End: Wait to adjust salt and pepper after cooking—the stew concentrates as it simmers, so seasoning after tasting prevents over-salting.

How to Serve Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh thyme leaves just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbal fragrance. Sometimes, a spoonful of sour cream or a few good grinds of black pepper adds a lovely finishing touch too.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm biscuits for soaking up that rich sauce. If you’re after a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, try serving your stew in hollowed-out bread bowls—it's fun, rustic, and keeps the stew warm. I’ve also layered it over creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent twist that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the stew cools to room temperature, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Flavors actually deepen overnight, so next-day stew is often even better!

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure the stew cools completely before freezing to keep the texture and flavor intact.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps loosen it up so it’s as delicious as freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.

What’s the best cut of beef for this stew?

Beef chuck roast is ideal because it has enough fat and connective tissue to break down during long cooking, making the meat tender and juicy.

Can I prepare this stew gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of wheat flour when coating the beef, and double-check that the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

How long can I store leftover stew in the fridge?

Leftover stew will keep well for up to 4 days in an airtight container refrigerated. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving again.

Final Thoughts

This Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe is my go-to for those days when I want something soothing, flavorful, and filling without fuss. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cared for, whether you’re sharing with family or just enjoying a quiet night at home. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s become a favorite around my table, and I’m sure it will at yours too.