1. Sear the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Pat beef cubes dry (this helps browning) and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear in batches until all sides are golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Build the Base
- In the same pot, add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots.
- Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop deeper flavor.
3. Deglaze & Simmer
- Pour in red wine, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pot (this is flavor gold!).
- Add beef back in, then pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Slow Cook for Tenderness
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 to 2 ½ hours, until beef is fork-tender.
- Add potatoes after 1 hour of simmering so they don’t turn mushy.
5. Finish the Stew
- In the last 15 minutes, stir in peas.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk flour or cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the pot. Simmer until thickened.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or over mashed potatoes.
Tips & Variations
- Add mushrooms: for a deep, earthy flavor.
- Gluten-free option: use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
- Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker: 35 minutes on high pressure gives you the same tenderness in less time.
- Next-day magic: like many stews, this tastes even better after resting overnight in the fridge.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret lies in layering flavors—browning the beef, sautéing the veggies, and deglazing with wine before the long, slow simmer. This careful process transforms humble ingredients into a rich, velvety stew that’s deeply satisfying.
This Classic Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew Recipe is more than a meal—it’s comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for your family or cooking ahead for the week, it will fill your kitchen with aromas that make everyone gather around the table.