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14 Beef Stew Recipes – Easy Slow Cooked Dinner Ideas

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Beef stew recipes are a classic comfort food choice for many, and with good reason. These warm, hearty dishes not only fill you up but also provide a delicious and satisfying meal. With a wide variety of possible ingredients and flavors, there’s definitely a beef stew that will suit your taste preferences.

beef stew recipe slowcooker, stovetop oven 1

Today we’ll take a look at 14 different beef stew recipes, highlighting the diversity in preparations and tastes across cultures and regions. These recipes showcase the versatility of beef stew, so whether you prefer a traditional version or something more adventurous, there’s a beef stew here for you.

As you read through these recipes, consider personalizing them by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your liking. In the end, it’s all about creating a dish that brings you comfort and enjoyment. So, grab your apron and get ready to embark on a journey of delicious beef stew exploration.

Classic Beef Stews

beef stew

1. Traditional Beef Stew

A classic Traditional Beef Stew recipe combines beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. You’ll find the use of flour adds thickness to the stew, while cooking it in a Dutch oven ensures an even, slow cook. Hearty and satisfying, this beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in.

2. Red Wine Beef Stew 

For a more sophisticated twist on classic beef stew, try this Red Wine Beef Stew recipe. 

In this version, the meat is first coated in flour and pepper, then seared in oil. Additional ingredients include red wine, beef broth, thyme, and garlic. The red wine brings a deep, rich flavor to the stew, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or special occasions.

Regional Beef Stew Variations

In this section, we will explore two delicious regional beef stew variations: French-Style Beef Stew and Spanish Beef Stew. These dishes are sure to please if you’re aiming for a themed night. 

3. French-Style Beef Stew

A traditional French-Style Beef Stew, also known as Boeuf Bourguignon, typically features tender chunks of beef cooked in a rich red wine sauce, complete with onions and carrots. 

In this recipe, you will find a marvelous combination of ingredients, including tomato paste and broth, that contribute to the hearty and satisfying nature of the dish. Cooking the beef slowly ensures maximum tenderness and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting, flavorful stew.

4. Spanish Beef Stew

Moving to southern Europe, a Spanish Beef Stew typically showcases a blend of aromatic spices and a hint of heat from black pepper or paprika. What makes it unique is the addition of ingredients such as bell peppers and olives, enhancing the stew’s savory profile. Wine and broth are key components in creating a robust sauce. Simmering the mixture low and slow allows the beef to become tender and enables the bold flavors to develop.

Read also: 27 Beef Casserole Recipes

Hearty Stews with Unique Flavors

Beef stew is a filling, hearty dish, so let’s also take a look at two extra-delicious and filling beef stew recipes. These are going to provide a full meal, complete with a starch base. 

5. Sweet and Savory Beef Stew

This Thai Beef Stew with Lemongrass and Noodles infuses your dish with a delightful blend of ginger, chiles, star anise, and cinnamon. As you prepare this dish, you’ll notice the unique mixture of sweet and savory flavors that make it a memorable meal. Along with the traditional beef stew ingredients such as tender beef, carrots, and bay leaves, this recipe includes Thai-inspired elements like lemongrass and noodles. To ensure the perfect balance between sweet and savory, be mindful of the delicate balance between sugar and salt.

6. Spicy Beef Stew with Rice

For those who prefer a kick of heat in their meals, this Caldereta is a popular Filipino stew that features beef chuck, chorizo, garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce. 

Enhanced by potatoes, peas, and bell peppers, this spicy beef stew gets its heat from the addition of chili flakes. Instead of using flour to thicken the stew, tomato sauce serves as the base for this hearty dish. 

Consider pairing this stew with a side of steamed rice to complement the flavors and absorb the delicious sauce for a filling and satisfying meal.

Stews for Different Cooking Methods

This section features a selection of beef stew recipes that use various cooking methods, so you can choose which you’d like to try based on your skill and preference.

7. Stovetop Beef Stew

One popular stovetop beef stew is The Best Beef Stew recipe from Food Network. This recipe calls for browning chuck roast and cooking onions and garlic until they become sweet. The low-and-slow cooking process on the stovetop allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory stew.

8. Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Another option for a stovetop stew is the Old-Fashioned Beef Stew. This recipe incorporates potatoes, onions, and carrots, all cooked in a flavorful stock. As you simmer the stew, the vegetables and beef meld together, delivering a delightful meal perfect for a cozy evening.

9. Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Beef Stew

If you prefer to use a slow cooker, try the Make-Ahead Slow Cooker Beef Stew found on Allrecipes. This time-saving recipe lets you prepare the ingredients in advance, so your slow cooker can do the work for you. The succulent beef, potatoes, and vegetables are cooked in a delicious stock that’s ideal for a satisfying and warming meal.

Read also: 23 Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes

10. Spicy Beef Curry Stew

Another slow cooker beef stew option is the Spicy Beef Curry Stew. This recipe features a unique combination of beef and curry flavors, making it a fusion dish that’s perfect for those who like a little heat in their meals. The aromatic spices and mix of vegetables create a satisfying meal that can easily be prepared in your slow cooker.

Versatile Ingredient Combinations

Want to get a bit creative but you’re not sure where to start ? here are a couple of beef stew recipes that make creative use of different meats, and different ingredients. 

11. Beef, Pork, and Chicken Stew

This Beef Stew Recipe combines beef, pork, and chicken to create a hearty dish that’s perfect for warming you up on a cold day. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, to make it even more filling. 

The combination of different meat types in this stew brings a unique depth of flavor and ensures it’s packed full of protein, making it a satisfying meal option.

12. Beef Stew with Peas

You can also try this Ina Garten’s Ultimate Beef Stew, which incorporates peas for a pop of color and added nutritional value. 

The peas, along with carrots and potatoes, are stirred into the stew just before serving to provide a bit of contrast in texture. 

This recipe is a fantastic showpiece for the versatility of beef stew, where simple additions like frozen peas can transform the dish into something new and exciting.

Comforting Stews for Cold Weather

beef egg noodles

13. Cozy Beef Stew with Egg Noodles

When you’re looking for the perfect comfort food during the cold weather, this Cozy Beef Stew with Egg Noodles will keep you warm and satisfied. Made with tender beef chuck, the stew is slow-cooked until the meat is mouthwatering and easily shreddable. 

The dish is then flavored with perfect seasonings and vegetables, making it a complete meal. Alongside the stew, the egg noodles provide a comforting element and a delightful contrast in texture. 

Finally, top your serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added freshness, color, and flavor.

14. Mexican Beef Stew

Mexican beef stew, also known as “carne guisada,” is a hearty and flavorful dish made with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a variety of spices. The beef is usually browned first, then simmered in a tomato-based sauce that includes ingredients such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano. This stew is often served with rice, beans, and tortillas, and is a popular comfort food in Mexican cuisine.

Read Also: 30 Delicious Side Dishes for Roast Chicken

Conclusion

Trying a variety of beef stew recipes can add excitement to your meals and expand your culinary skills. The 14 recipes discussed here provide a diverse selection of flavors and ingredients, catering to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

As you explore them, you’ll discover new cooking techniques and ingredients that will elevate your beef stew to a new level. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect recipe that suits your palate. You may even consider combining elements from different recipes to create your own unique version of beef stew.

In the end, your dedication to trying new recipes will be rewarded with delicious, satisfying meals that you can proudly share with your friends and family. Enjoy your culinary journey and savor the rich, hearty flavors of these beef stew recipes.


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