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Stove Top Beef Stew

Tender, juicy beef stew with potatoes and carrots slow cooks on the stove top for the perfect comfort food any time.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 569

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds chuck beef cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon browning sauce optional, for color
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion finely chopped
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons roast beef base paste like Better Than Bouillon
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 2/3 cup red cooking wine merlot or any dark red wine
  • 1 bunch fresh herbs rosemary, thyme, bay leaf (about 2 sprigs each)
  • 4 large carrots roughly chopped
  • 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes cut into cubes

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large pot
  • cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Season the beef cubes with flour, Worcestershire sauce, browning sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, tossing until well coated.
  2. In a large dutch oven set over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, sear the beef on all sides for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add the celery, onions, and garlic to the dutch oven, and saute until soft, about 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and beef base and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until darkened and fragrant.
  5. Add the broth, wine, fresh herbs, and return the seared beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  6. Cover and cook for 2 hours, checking occasionally to maintain a gentle simmer.
  7. After 2 hours, add the potatoes and carrots and continue cooking covered on medium-low heat for an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
  8. Once the beef is perfectly tender and vegetables are cooked through, remove herb bundle. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crunchy toast.

Notes

For thicker gravy, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes. Stew tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Don't skip the searing step - it creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
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