Dutch Oven Beef Stew Recipe

This Dutch oven beef stew is packed with hearty vegetables and tender chunks of beef in a rich, flavorful broth. It comes together quickly and all in one pot – then the oven does all the work! It requires minimal prep time and is perfect for cozy nights!

 

Easy Dutch Oven Beef Stew Recipe

This easy beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. It combines simple ingredients into a mouthwatering, satisfying dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or easy meal prepping.

Ingredients for Dutch Oven Beef Stew

• Flour: Helps create a crust on the beef and thickens the stew. Cornstarch can work as a gluten-free alternative.
• Herbs & Spices: Dried thyme, garlic powder, celery salt, and bay leaves come together to flavor the broth and beef beautifully. Substitute with your favorite dried herbs and spices.
• Veggies: Garlic, yellow onion, celery, carrots, and baby yellow potatoes are the aromatic and hearty vegetables often found in stew. Substitute with parsnips or your potato of choice.
• Stew Meat: Most grocery stores have stew meat in their deli, especially in the fall/winter. You can also cut chuck roast into cubes for this Dutch oven stew.
• Butter: Adds richness to the stew’s base. Margarine or ghee are good substitutes.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the broth’s flavor. Canned tomato puree can replace it.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the savory flavors. Soy sauce can substitute for a similar umami boost.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Balances the richness with a touch of acidity and sweetness. Red wine vinegar can be used as a replacement.
• Beef Stock: Forms the stew’s rich base. Substitute with chicken stock or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• Cornstarch: Used to slightly thicken the stew towards the end of the cooking process.

How to Make Beef Stew

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F.

Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, celery salt, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge beef cubes in the flour mixture. Add half the beef to the pot, searing on all sides. Add the remaining olive oil and sear the second batch. Remove beef and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: Without wiping out the pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for about 4 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, and thyme. Stir and cook for 1 minute.

Deglaze the Pan: Deglaze with Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pot to release flavorful bits.

Simmer the Stew Base: Add the beef and juices back into the pot. Stir in beef stock, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then cover tightly and place in the oven for 2 hours.

Add Vegetables and Thicken: Combine cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew along with carrots and potatoes. Cover and return to the oven for another hour, until the vegetables are tender and the beef falls apart.

Season and Serve: Remove bay leaves, season to taste with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making Beef Stew

• Use a Dutch Oven: Dutch ovens provide even cooking and excellent heat retention, making them ideal for stew.
• Sear Beef in Small Batches: This prevents steaming and ensures a rich, caramelized crust on the beef.
• Adjust Seasoning: Once the stew has cooked down, taste and adjust the salt and pepper to balance the flavors.

Make-Ahead Meal

• This Dutch oven beef stew is one of my favorite make-ahead meals.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for days and reheats beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Keep for up to 4 days.

Freezing Beef Stew

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Beef Stew

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• Add a splash of beef stock if the stew has thickened.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• simple house salad
• easy garlic bread
• orzo pasta salad
• beet salad
• crusty French bread

Try these easy family dinner recipes next!

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