Beef Stew is a 5-Ingredient Ultimate Cozy Savory classic.

Beef Stew is the cozy, 5-ingredient classic I’ve perfected for busy homes.

As a chef who loves practical meal prep, I’ve built this recipe to be comforting, not fussy.

If you’re a professional mom who wants flavor without fuss, this Beef Stew is your weeknight hero.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What makes Beef Stew special

Beef Stew is my warm ritual after a long day.
It tastes like a hug in a bowl I love sharing.
And the best part is it comes together with minimal fuss.

This version uses halal beef and five simple ingredients.
No mountain of spices or long lists, just depth.
It’s perfect for busy moms, professionals, and anyone craving comfort.

Plus, you can freeze the leftovers for another cozy night.
A simple simmer builds flavor while I tackle other tasks.
That balance feels like the heart of this 5-ingredient classic.

Beef Stew at a glance

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours
• Servings: 6
• Diet: Halal
• Method: Stovetop
• Flavor: Deep, savory gravy with tender beef

Here’s a quick snapshot to plan your dinner.
You save time and still enjoy rich flavor.
This dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Beef Stew Ingredients

Exact quantities are shown below. You can print this section for a quick shopping list. I love prepping ahead so weeknights stay calm and cozy.

Exact ingredients and measurements

• 2 lbs halal beef stew meat, cut into chunks — I choose shoulder for tenderness during long simmering.
• 3 tbsp olive oil — I use it to brown the meat and build flavor.
• 1 onion, diced — adds gentle sweetness that rounds the gravy.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — a bright, aromatic boost.
• 4 carrots, sliced — color plus natural sweetness.
• 3 celery stalks, chopped — gives depth and crunch.
• 3 medium potatoes, cubed — heartiness and starch to thicken the sauce.
• 3 tbsp tomato paste — deepens color and the gravy’s savoriness.
• 4 cups beef broth — the saucy backbone; use low-sodium if you like.
• 1 tbsp halal Worcestershire sauce — umami lift; verify halal on the label.
• 1 tsp dried thyme — earthy notes that calm the dish.
• 1 tsp dried rosemary — fragrant warmth that lingers.
• 1 tsp paprika — gentle smokiness for color and bite.
• ½ tsp black pepper — subtle heat without overpowering the stew.
• ½ tsp salt — enough to balance; adjust after simmering.
• 2 tbsp flour (optional) — for a thicker gravy, whisk with hot broth before stirring in.
• Fresh parsley for garnish — bright green finish and aroma.

Substitutions and halal tips

• Swap beef broth for mushroom or vegetable broth if needed, though it’s not beef-based.
• Skip flour or use 1–2 tsp cornstarch slurry for gluten-friendly thickening.
• If halal Worcestershire isn’t available, try a halal-certified soy or tamari-based alternative for umami.
• For a lighter gravy, use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato paste and add a touch of stock.
• Halal tip: always check labels for halal certification on Worcestershire, broth, and any canned ingredients.

How to Make Beef Stew

I love making this Beef Stew on busy days.
I can smell the warmth as it simmers, and I smile at the idea of a cozy dinner.
With simple steps, weeknights feel calm again, and the kitchen stays peaceful.

Step 1: Sear the beef

Heat a heavy pot and brown the beef in batches.
Crowding the pan blocks browning.
Set the meat aside when browned.

Step 2: Sauté vegetables

Add onion, carrot, and celery to the pot.
Sauté until the edges soften and color deepens.
This builds the savory base for the gravy.

Step 3: Add tomato paste and aromatics

Push the vegetables aside and stir in tomato paste.
Cook it a minute to bloom its sweetness.
Add garlic and spices, then cook 30 seconds.

Step 4: Return beef and add potatoes, broth, and seasonings

Return the browned beef to the pot.
Add potatoes, broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Stir in thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Simmer until tender

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
Cover and simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Stir occasionally and wait for tender meat.

Step 6: Thicken the gravy (optional)

Whisk flour with a little hot broth.
Stir the slurry into the stew.
Simmer 5 more minutes to thicken.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
A splash more Worcestershire can lift the gravy.
Add a final pinch of paprika if you like.

Step 8: Finish and serve

Stir in fresh parsley just before serving.
Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Leftovers taste even better after resting.

Beef Stew Tips for Success

• I sear beef in batches; overcrowding steals browning and depth.
• I deglaze after searing to lift all those caramelized bits.
• I sweat onions with carrots and celery until they glow.
• I bloom tomato paste briefly for richer color and savoriness.
• I layer spices gradually; taste as you go and adjust.
• I simmer low and slow; patience yields tender meat.
• I thicken with a flour slurry if the sauce is thin.
• I let leftovers rest off heat a few minutes properly.

Beef Stew Equipment Needed

• Heavy pot with lid (Dutch oven or large stockpot) for browning and simmering.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring.
• Sharp knife and cutting board for prep.
• Measuring spoons and cups, plus a ladle to serve.
• Tongs to turn meat; whisk for slurry.
• Optional: immersion blender for smoother gravy.

Beef Stew Variations

• I love halal-friendly protein swaps: I often use lamb shoulder or turkey breast chunks for a different texture while keeping it halal.
• Vegetarian version: I sometimes swap meat for cremini mushrooms and lentils, using vegetable broth and extra tomato paste for a cozy, plant-based finish.
• Spice level: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small jalapeño to wake the gravy—tune it down for kids.
• Creamy finish: I splash in a little cream or half-and-half at the end for a silky gravy—omit for dairy-free meals.
• More veggies: I toss in diced zucchini, parsnips, or turnips in the last 20 minutes for extra color and nutrition.
• Thickening options: If you don’t want flour, use a cornstarch slurry or simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
• Small-batch comfort: I adapt this for slow cookers or Instant Pots—sear the meat first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours or high pressure for 30–40 minutes.
• Herbal twists: I sometimes swap in oregano and a bay leaf for a different aroma while keeping the core flavors intact.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew

I know weeknights are a juggling act. This Beef Stew is a practical hug in a pot—easy cleanup, big flavor, and it makes enough to feed the crowd or freeze for later. The secret is slow simmer, halal beef that stays tender, and a gravy that tastes like home. No fuss, just comfort, leftovers that still taste amazing, and a kitchen that smells like warmth. You’ll return to it again.

Beef Stew Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread for soaking.
• Pair with mashed potatoes.
• Garnish with parsley for color.
• Add a simple green salad.
• Sip iced tea or sparkling water.

Beef Stew shines when plated warmly. I love ladling it over potatoes, letting steam rise, and finishing with parsley for a fresh, cozy presentation.

Beef Stew Make-Ahead and Freezer Guide Make-ahead tips

I know weeknights slip by fast. This Beef Stew Make-Ahead plan keeps dinner cozy without the rush. With a little pre-work, you pull comfort from the fridge. Or from the freezer in minutes.

• Prep vegetables ahead: Dice onion, carrots, and celery; store airtight for up to 2 days.
• Brown the beef in batches; refrigerate 1–2 days or freeze for longer.
• Pre-measure spices: Thyme, rosemary, paprika, pepper, and salt in a small jar.
• Divide tomato paste into ice cube trays to freeze; transfer to a bag.
• Freeze cooked Beef Stew in portions for up to 3 months.
• Assemble freezer bags with beef, vegetables, tomato paste, and spices.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge; reheat gently on the stove.
• If gravy is loose, thicken with a quick slurry after reheating.
• Label containers with date and contents.
• Raw components keep well: freeze beef chunks and chopped veggies for 2–3 months.

When you plan ahead, Beef Stew becomes a go-to solution, not a last-minute scramble. I love how a simple chill-out session in the kitchen yields hours of calm weeknights. Your future self will thank you for the little freezer-friendly rituals.

Beef Stew FAQs Can I make Beef Stew ahead and reheat?

Yes. You can make Beef Stew ahead and reheat it nicely. Chill it, then refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring often, until it steams. The flavors deepen when it rests, and leftovers still taste rich.

Is this Beef Stew halal?

Yes, this Beef Stew can be halal. Use halal-certified beef and halal Worcestershire sauce, and check broths and canned ingredients. If in doubt, look for clear halal certification on labels. That way you keep every serving true to your standards.

How can I thicken the gravy without flour?

To thicken without flour, use a cornstarch slurry. Whisk 1 to 2 teaspoons cornstarch with cold water, then stir it in. Simmer a few minutes until the gravy coats a spoon.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Brown the beef first, then add vegetables and broth. Cook on low for 6–8 hours in a slow cooker or high pressure for 30–40 minutes in an Instant Pot. Natural release for 10–15 minutes, then thicken if needed.

What cut of beef is best for stew?

Best beef for stew is chuck or shoulder. These cuts stay tender when slow-simmered and absorb flavor well. Halal options include shoulder; always check the label for halal status.

This Beef Stew has become my cozy ritual after long days. I love that a simple pot yields comfort, flavor, and rhythm. The aroma invites my family to pause and share stories. I appreciate halal ingredients that keep meals warm and respectful. When leftovers rest, the gravy deepens, and memories settle in. This 5-ingredient approach proves busy schedules can still nourish love. I hope you taste the care I pour into it. And I know you’ll find peace in a simmering pot. May your table glow with laughter, warmth, and the simple joy of shared meals. Be patient, savor bites.

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