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Autumn Harvest Beef Stew: Cozy, Slow-Cooked Flavor Secrets

homemade Beef Stew

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A rich and hearty beef stew made with tender chunks of beef chuck, root vegetables, and fragrant herbs simmered slowly in a flavorful beef broth until melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Perfect for cozy dinners and cold-weather comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced
  • 2 cups potatoes, diced
  • 1 cup parsnips, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef chuck dry with paper towels and season all sides with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Heat a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear half the beef for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the rest of the beef using 1 more tablespoon of oil.
  3. Lower heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir in onion and celery with a pinch of salt, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize. Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf; stir to bloom the herbs. Return browned beef and juices to the pot.
  5. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer with the lid slightly ajar.
  6. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, skimming foam or excess fat as needed.
  7. Add carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. Adjust salt and pepper. Simmer for 35–40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add water or broth if too thick, or simmer 5–10 minutes longer for a thicker texture.
  9. Remove the bay leaf and stir in fresh parsley. Grind fresh pepper and optionally add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
  10. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes off heat before serving. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with extra parsley.

Notes

  • Pat beef dry before searing to ensure proper browning.
  • Keep broth warm in a separate pot to maintain a steady simmer.
  • Season in layers for balanced flavor.
  • Use fresh herbs at the end for the best aroma.
  • Let the stew rest before serving so the flavors meld beautifully.