04/23/2026
The Best Homemade Meat and Stew Recipe
✅ Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine, optional
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas, optional
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
✅ Instructions
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and flour.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef in batches, then set aside.
- Add the onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
- Return the beef to the pot, then add carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaves, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Stir in peas during the last 5 minutes, if using. - Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley.
✅ Tips for best flavor
- Use beef chuck for the most tender, rich result.
- Browning the meat well adds a deeper taste.
- Letting the stew simmer slowly is what makes it hearty and flavorful.
- This recipe is based on trusted classic beef stew methods and ingredients commonly used in well-known published recipes.
