How to Make Delicious Beef Stew

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Aug 16, 2024

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Beef stew is a cherished dish that has been savored across generations and cultures. From hearty Chuckwagon stew to rich Irish stew, it's a versatile meal that pairs wonderfully with cornbread, beans, or buttered rolls, and it wraps up nicely with a slice of pie for dessert. Stew is not just a delicious meal; it’s an economical way to use up leftover vegetables and transform tougher cuts of meat into tender, flavorful morsels. This staple has been simmered on stovetops around the world, from the Oregon Trail to modern kitchens.

Gather Your Ingredients

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Preparation

If stew meat isn’t available, you can cube a chuck roast or steak. Less expensive and leaner cuts are perfectly fine as the slow cooking process will tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor. Start by melting butter or heating oil in the Dutch oven, then brown the beef on all sides. Add the chopped onion and sauté until lightly browned. Mix in the brown gravy mix until all the meat is coated and lightly brown. Pour in enough water or beef broth to cover the ingredients by about two inches, then let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.

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Add Vegetables

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The Final Ingredients

About 45 minutes before you plan to serve, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. This timing allows the potatoes to cook through and absorb flavors without becoming mushy. Red potatoes work well in stews as they hold their shape better than starchier white potatoes. At this point, you can also add the corn and rice or barley, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then continue to simmer everything together for another 45 minutes.

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Thickening the Broth

Most beef stews are simmered for a total of about three hours. If you find the stew is too watery, there are a couple of ways to thicken it. One method is to mix flour and butter to form small balls, which you can then drop into the stew. Alternatively, mix 1/2 cup of cold water with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth, and slowly stir this mixture into the stew. Turn up the heat briefly to bring the stew to a boil, as cornstarch needs to boil to activate its thickening properties.

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Making Beef Stew in a Crockpot

If you're using a crockpot, the preparation starts the same with browning the meat and onions. After that, grease the crockpot lightly to prevent sticking and add the browned meat along with some broth or water. Layer in the carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, and rice or barley, then add enough broth to cover the ingredients. Set the crockpot to low and let it cook for 10-12 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours.

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Popular Stew Variations

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Meatball Stew

Similar to beef stew, meatball stew starts with browning meatballs before adding them to the pot with other ingredients like basil, peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and wine or vinegar. This variation offers a delightful twist on the classic stew, giving it an Italian flair.

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Stew vs. Soup

While soups and stews are often mentioned together, they are distinct dishes. Stews are generally thicker, heartier, and packed with a higher ratio of meat and vegetables compared to their broth, making them a filling meal on their own.

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Serving Ideas

Beef stew is a robust meal that can be enjoyed in a bowl on its own, over mashed potatoes, or rice. It can also be baked into a pot pie for a comforting winter meal. Stew is great for leftovers; simply reheat and add additional vegetables to extend it for another day. Serving it with biscuits, dinner rolls, or simple bread and butter completes this nourishing meal, making it a favorite for family dinners and cozy gatherings.

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