15 Delicious Beef Stew Recipes for Hearty Nights

Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and full of flavor. Tender beef, rich broth, and vegetables simmer together to create a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Perfect for cold evenings, Sunday dinners, or make-ahead meal prep, beef stew is versatile and beloved worldwide. Whether you crave classic homestyle flavors or bold global twists, these recipes will help you find the perfect pot of stew for a hearty night in.

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1. Classic Homestyle Beef Stew

This timeless recipe delivers everything you want in a beef stew: melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender carrots and potatoes, and a rich, savory broth. It’s slow-simmered to perfection, making it the definition of cozy comfort food. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty, family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pot; brown beef, then remove.
3. Sauté onion and garlic; add tomato paste.
4. Return beef with broth, thyme, carrots, and potatoes.
5. Simmer 2 hours until beef is tender.

Special Twist: A splash of red wine deepens the broth’s flavor.

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2. Guinness Beef Stew (Irish Style)

A classic Irish comfort dish, this stew uses Guinness beer to create a rich, malty broth that pairs perfectly with tender beef and vegetables. The slow cooking process intensifies the flavors, making it a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day—or any cold night.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Guinness beer
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Coat beef in flour, salt, and pepper; brown in oil, then remove.
2. Sauté onion and garlic; stir in tomato paste.
3. Add Guinness, broth, beef, potatoes, and carrots.
4. Simmer 2–2.5 hours until beef is tender.

Special Twist: Guinness adds depth and subtle sweetness to the broth.

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3. French Beef Bourguignon

This elegant French stew combines beef with red wine, mushrooms, pearl onions, and carrots. Slow-simmered with herbs, it develops deep, luxurious flavors. It’s refined yet comforting, perfect for special occasions when you want a dish that impresses but still feels like rustic comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup pearl onions
• 2 cups mushrooms, halved
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Coat beef in flour; brown in oil, remove.
2. Sauté garlic, carrots, and onions; stir in tomato paste.
3. Add wine, broth, thyme, bay leaf, and beef.
4. Simmer 2.5 hours; stir in mushrooms last 30 minutes.

Special Twist: Red wine creates rich, restaurant-quality depth.

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4. Spicy Mexican Beef Stew

This bold stew is packed with smoky flavors from chipotle peppers and cumin. Tomatoes, beans, and corn add body and sweetness, while tender beef soaks up the spices beautifully. It’s hearty, slightly spicy, and perfect served with rice or warm tortillas for a south-of-the-border twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté onion and garlic; add cumin.
3. Stir in tomatoes, chipotle, beans, corn, broth, and beef.
4. Simmer 2 hours until beef is tender.

Special Twist: Chipotle peppers give smoky heat and depth.

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5. Asian Soy-Ginger Beef Stew

This lighter, aromatic stew features beef simmered with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and bok choy in a savory broth. It’s comforting yet refreshing, with a balance of umami and fresh greens. Serve it over steamed rice for a hearty dish with Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups bok choy, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add beef, broth, soy sauce; simmer 2 hours.
4. Stir in bok choy last 10 minutes; garnish with green onions.

Special Twist: Soy-ginger broth gives a fragrant Asian flair.

6. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This fuss-free version lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmer all day until perfectly tender. The long, slow cooking develops deep flavors while keeping the beef melt-in-your-mouth juicy. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dinner ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low 7–8 hours or high 4–5 hours.
4. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Special Twist: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.

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7. Moroccan Spiced Beef Stew

Exotic and fragrant, this stew pairs beef with warm Moroccan spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Dried apricots add a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory broth. It’s bold, aromatic, and perfect for when you want a stew that feels adventurous yet comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté onion and garlic; stir in spices.
3. Add tomatoes, apricots, broth, and beef.
4. Simmer 2 hours until beef is tender.

Special Twist: Dried apricots bring subtle sweetness and depth.

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8. Red Wine and Mushroom Beef Stew

Earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with beef in this rich stew. Red wine and herbs build a luxurious broth that’s elegant enough for dinner parties yet easy to prepare. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish that’s still rustic and comforting, perfect with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups red wine
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Brown beef in oil, remove.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, mushrooms; stir in tomato paste.
3. Add wine, broth, thyme, and beef.
4. Simmer 2 hours until tender.

Special Twist: Mushrooms add earthy richness to the wine-based broth.

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9. Caribbean Beef Stew

This vibrant stew bursts with Caribbean flavors—beef simmered with tomatoes, peppers, thyme, and a Scotch bonnet pepper for heat. Allspice adds a warm, aromatic note that makes it stand out. It’s bold, colorful, and pairs beautifully with rice or fried plantains for a tropical twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, optional)
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, peppers.
3. Add tomatoes, allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet, broth, and beef.
4. Simmer 2 hours until beef is tender.

Special Twist: Scotch bonnet pepper delivers authentic Caribbean heat.

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10. Korean-Inspired Beef Stew

This stew blends Korean flavors with classic comfort. Beef is simmered in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, creating a savory-sweet broth. Carrots and daikon radish add freshness, while green onions and sesame seeds make it vibrant. It’s hearty, flavorful, and unique.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 daikon radish, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté garlic, ginger, carrots, and daikon.
3. Add soy sauce, broth, and beef; simmer 2 hours.
4. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Special Twist: Soy-ginger broth gives it a sweet-savory Korean flair.

11. Italian Beef and Tomato Stew

This rustic Italian-style stew is brimming with beef, tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant herbs like oregano and basil. Simmered slowly, the flavors meld into a rich, savory broth. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting dish perfect with pasta or a hunk of crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Parmesan and parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté onion and garlic; stir in tomatoes, herbs, and broth.
3. Return beef; simmer 2 hours until tender.
4. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.

Special Twist: Parmesan adds savory richness to the tomato broth.

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12. Hungarian Goulash Beef Stew

A Hungarian classic, this stew is deeply flavored with paprika, tender beef, and vegetables. Potatoes and bell peppers add substance, while sour cream stirred in at the end gives it a creamy finish. It’s a bold, warming dish with Eastern European flair.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 2 tbsp Hungarian paprika
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and pepper; add paprika.
3. Add beef, potatoes, broth; simmer 2 hours.
4. Stir in sour cream before serving.

Special Twist: Hungarian paprika gives smokiness and depth.

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13. Beef and Barley Stew

Chewy barley adds heartiness to this classic beef stew. Carrots, celery, and onions create a savory base, while slow-simmered beef enriches the broth. It’s thick, rustic, and deeply satisfying—a one-pot meal that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, celery; add thyme.
3. Add beef, barley, broth; simmer 2 hours until tender.
4. Serve hot.

Special Twist: Barley makes it hearty and perfect for meal prep.

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14. Spanish Beef and Olive Stew

This Mediterranean-inspired stew combines beef with green olives, tomatoes, and smoked paprika for bold, tangy flavors. The olives give the dish a briny edge, balancing the richness of the beef. It’s a unique twist that pairs beautifully with rice or roasted potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• ½ cup green olives, pitted
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté onion and garlic; stir in tomatoes and paprika.
3. Return beef with broth and olives.
4. Simmer 2 hours until tender.

Special Twist: Green olives add tangy, salty brightness.

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15. Japanese Miso Beef Stew

This fusion stew uses miso paste to give the broth a deep umami flavor. Carrots, potatoes, and daikon radish add heartiness, while soy sauce and ginger enhance the flavor. It’s rich yet light, offering a comforting meal with a Japanese-inspired twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 2 tbsp miso paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 daikon radish, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil; brown beef, remove.
2. Sauté ginger and vegetables briefly.
3. Add broth, miso, soy sauce, and beef; simmer 2 hours.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Special Twist: Miso paste brings rich, umami depth to the stew.