This beef stew is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day. Straight from the STS Farms kitchen, this recipe is “farm-approved” for a reason: it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and incredibly forgiving. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen novice, this is the kind of “set it and simmer” meal that makes your house smell like home.

Here is a breakdown of why this recipe works and how you can make it your own:

Why You’ll Love It

• Deep Flavor: By browning your beef in small batches, you create a rich caramelization (the Maillard reaction!) that serves as the flavor foundation for the whole pot.
• Perfect Texture: We prefer the stovetop or oven method over a slow cooker. It gives you much better control over the vegetables, ensuring they stay tender-crisp rather than turning to mush.
• The “Clean-Out-The-Fridge” Hero: This recipe is a canvas. Have a parsnip lounging in the crisper? Toss it in. Fresh beans in the summer or frozen beans in the winter? They all fit right in. You can even experiment with mushrooms or peppers for added depth.
• Better the Next Day: Like all the best comfort foods, the flavors deepen and meld overnight, making leftovers something to actually look forward to.

Pro-Tips for the Perfect Pot

Don’t Crowd the Pan: When browning the meat, give the cubes space. If you crowd them, they’ll steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on that deep brown color that adds tons of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To soak up every last drop of that rich gravy, serve your stew with:

• Warm, flaky biscuits
• A mountain of creamy mashed potatoes

Print Recipe

Beef Stew!

Author: Susan Schafers Cooking Method: Stove Top Cuisine: Comfort Food, Farm Kitchen, Traditional Courses: Main Dish

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 2 hrs Total Time 2 hrs 10 mins

Best Season: Winter, Fall

Description

This beef stew is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day. Straight from the STS Farms kitchen, this recipe is "farm-approved" for a reason: it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and incredibly forgiving. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen novice, this is the kind of "set it and simmer" meal that makes your house smell like home.

Ingredients

Servings

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 lb lean stew beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 onions
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups beef broth
• 1 can tomatoes, undrained
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, choppped
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• ¹⁄₂ tsp dried basil
• 5 potatoes, peeled and quartered
• salt
• pepper

Instructions

1. In large heavy saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat; add beef and brown all over.
   Reduce heat to medium-low.

1. Add garlic and onions; cook until softened, about 4 minutes.

1. Sprinkle flour over meat and onions; cook, stirring, until flour browns.

1. Add stock, tomatoes, carrots, celery, worcestershire sauce, and basil; bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat; simmer for about 1-1/2 hours or until beef is tender.

1. Add potatoes; cook for 30 to 45 minutes or until tender. Season with Salt & Pepper to taste

   If you prefer an equally tasty but more soup-like consistency. Add an extra cup of beef stock.

Keywords: beef stew recipe, Homemade beef stew, Easy stovetop beef stew, Budget-friendly family dinner