As the temperatures drop, our cravings for warm, comforting meals shift into high gear. And what better way to satisfy that desire than with a rich and flavorful beef stew? With its tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and satisfying broth, this classic dish is sure to become your new go-to comfort food.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering beef stew recipes from around the world, each one packed with flavor and guaranteed to warm your belly and your heart. From traditional European stews to spicy Korean and Cajun-inspired twists, there’s something for everyone in this list of beefy delights. So grab a spoon and let’s dive into the comfort food heaven that awaits!
Classic Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
Savor the warmth of a comforting stew, slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, crunchy carrots, and fluffy potatoes. This hearty recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and flavorful slow cooker stew, perfect for a cozy night in. The deep flavor of Guinness stout pairs beautifully with tender beef and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Add the beef, Guinness stout, beef broth, and browned beef (optional).
4. Stir in the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Red Wine Braised Beef Stew
Red Wine Braised Beef Stew Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef and red wine in this hearty stew, perfect for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium, add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Return beef to the pot, along with broth and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2 1/2 hours, or until beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Spicy Korean Beef Stew (Soegogi Jeongol)
This hearty stew, also known as Soegogi Jeongol, is a popular Korean dish that combines tender beef with a spicy and savory broth. Perfect for a cold winter’s night, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 500g beef brisket or chuck, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– Sesame oil and chopped green onions for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add Gochujang, beef broth, soy sauce, water, sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame oil and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Beef Bourguignon Stew
A classic French stew that combines tender beef with rich flavors of mushrooms, onions, and red wine.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup red wine (Burgundy or Côtes du Rhône)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon tomato paste
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches, then remove from pot.
2. Reduce heat to medium; add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
4. Add wine, broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
5. Return beef to the pot; season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer stew for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Moroccan Beef Stew with Chickpeas
A hearty and flavorful stew that combines the rich flavors of Morocco with the comforting warmth of a slow-cooked beef dish.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound beef chuck or brisket, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then set aside.
3. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
5. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and beef broth; bring to a boil.
6. Return the browned beef to the pot; season with salt and black pepper.
7. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef and Mushroom Stew with Thyme
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty beef and mushroom stew, infused with the earthy flavor of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as needed.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms, garlic, beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Hungarian Goulash Beef Stew
Experience the rich flavors of traditional Hungarian cuisine with this hearty beef stew recipe. Tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and spices, make for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beef is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: About 2 hours (including browning time)
Beef Stew with Dumplings
This classic comfort food recipe combines tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and soft dumplings for a satisfying meal that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups dumpling mixture (see below)
Dumpling Mixture:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup warm water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef in oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add potatoes, carrot, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Pour in beef broth; bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Simmer for 2 hours or until meat is tender.
7. Prepare dumpling mixture by whisking together dry ingredients, then cutting in butter. Gradually add warm water.
8. Drop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of dumpling mixture onto the stew; cook for an additional 20-25 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.
Cooking Time: approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes
Tomato-Based Beef Stew with Olives
A rich and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or weekend meal. This recipe combines tender beef, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives for a deliciously satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onions and garlic; cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, olives, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2-1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Beef and Barley Stew
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day. This stew is packed with tender beef, nutritious barley, and aromatic vegetables, all slow-cooked in a rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the barley, beef broth, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the barley is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Cajun-Style Beef Stew with Andouille Sausage
This hearty stew is a classic Southern comfort food, packed with tender beef, spicy sausage, and bold flavors. Perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced bell peppers
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef cubes; cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add sausage slices; cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
4. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers; cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return beef and sausage to the pot. Simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
This comforting beef stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of root vegetables, slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef chuck or brisket, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped
– 1 large turnip, peeled and chopped
– 1 large red potato, peeled and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add chopped vegetables, garlic, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return beef to pot, cover, and simmer for 2 hours or until meat is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Asian-Inspired Beef Stew with Star Anise
Savor the warm, aromatic flavors of Asia-inspired beef stew infused with the sweetness of star anise. This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a hearty lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef short ribs or chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon star anise powder
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups beef broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
3. Cook onion and garlic until softened; add ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and star anise. Cook 1 minute.
4. Add tomatoes, broth, browned beef, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Stew with Red Wine and Rosemary
This hearty stew is a perfect comfort food dish, rich with the flavors of slow-cooked beef, red wine, and fragrant rosemary. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the beef from pot and set aside. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add red wine to pot, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
4. Add beef broth, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Kale
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of tender beef, sweet potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an ideal meal for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 cups kale leaves (curly or lacinato), stems removed
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add sweet potatoes, kale, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Cook for 2 hours or until beef is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Beef Stew with Pearl Onions and Bacon
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of tender beef, sweet pearl onions, and smoky bacon. A warm and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 6-8 pearl onions, peeled
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Remove the bacon and set aside. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the pearl onions, beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
7. Remove from the oven and stir in the cooked bacon.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Stew with Butternut Squash
This comforting stew combines tender beef, sweet butternut squash, and aromatic spices to create a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
3. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add squash, broth, wine, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return beef to pot; bring to a boil.
7. Cover and transfer to oven. Cook for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Beef Stew with Green Beans and Tomatoes
This classic beef stew recipe is a perfect comfort food dish for a chilly evening or a family dinner. With the addition of tender green beans and juicy tomatoes, this hearty stew is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
3. Remove browned beef and set aside.
4. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
6. Add beef broth, water, and browned beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.
7. Add green beans to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
8. Stir in diced tomatoes and continue to cook until heated through.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Beef Stew with Red Lentils and Spinach
A hearty and nutritious stew that combines the rich flavors of beef, red lentils, and spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef chuck or shank, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef in batches, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the red lentils, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours or until the lentils are tender.
7. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves; cook until wilted.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Summary
Cozy up with these hearty beef stew recipes perfect for a cold night. From classic combinations like carrots and potatoes to international twists like Korean spicy stews, there’s something for every palate. Try slow-cooked Guinness beef stew or rich red wine braised beef stew. For added depth, try adding root vegetables, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes and kale. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting classics or adventurous flavors, these 20 beef stew recipes are sure to hit the spot.
