Hearty Dutch Oven Beef Stew

Why You’ll Love Hearty Dutch Oven Beef Stew  Recipe

This beef stew is everything you want in a cozy meal—warm, filling, and full of deep, developed flavor. Made with simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, weekend meal prep, or serving a crowd. Thanks to the Dutch oven, the beef turns out incredibly tender, and the thick broth is robust and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 ½ pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 ½ pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed

Directions

1. Season and Sear the Beef
   Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables
   Lower the heat to medium. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Tomato Paste and Flour
   Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and mix to coat evenly. This helps thicken the stew later.

4. Deglaze and Build the Base
   Slowly add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and return the seared beef to the pot.

5. Add Potatoes and Simmer
   Add the potatoes, stir, and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the broth has thickened.

6. Final Touches
   Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Add red wine for a deeper, richer flavor.

• Swap in mushrooms for an earthy addition.

• Use sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes for a sweeter note.

• Stir in peas at the end for a pop of color and texture.

• Make it gluten-free by omitting the flour and using cornstarch as a thickener.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. The flavor often improves the next day.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for stew?

Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down during slow cooking to create tender, flavorful meat.

Can I make this stew in the oven instead of on the stovetop?

Yes, after bringing the stew to a simmer, cover and transfer to a 325°F oven for about 2½ hours.

Can I freeze this beef stew?

Absolutely. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months.

Do I need to sear the beef first?

Yes. Searing builds flavor and helps lock in the meat’s juices.

Can I use a different type of potato?

Yukon Gold, russet, or even red potatoes all work well. Choose based on your texture preference.

How can I make the stew thicker?

Simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes, or mash a few of the potatoes in the pot to thicken naturally.

What can I serve with beef stew?

Crusty bread, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this hearty dish.

Can I add wine to the stew?

Yes, replace 1 cup of broth with dry red wine for added depth.

Is this stew gluten-free?

It can be. Skip the flour and use a cornstarch slurry instead to thicken.

Does this recipe double well?

Yes. Use a larger Dutch oven and increase cooking time slightly to ensure even doneness.

Conclusion

This Dutch oven beef stew is the definition of classic comfort food. With fork-tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth, it’s the kind of meal that warms both body and soul. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals for the week ahead, this is a satisfying, reliable recipe you’ll turn to again and again.