When the temperatures drop, nothing beats a bowl of warm, hearty beef stew. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with slow-simmered aromas and gives you something rich, filling, and totally comforting at the end of a long day.
Whether it’s classic with carrots and potatoes or something with a twist, beef stew is the ultimate cold-weather dish.
These recipes bring variety without sacrificing that familiar coziness. Some use red wine or beer for depth, others lean into global flavors, and a few keep it old-school with a thick, savory broth. However you serve it—over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread—these beef stews were made to warm you up.
1. Classic Beef Stew
Tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and thick gravy—the original comfort food.
We sear chunks of stew beef until browned, then simmer them slowly with onion, carrots, potatoes, and broth until everything is tender. A little tomato paste gives the broth richness and body, and it only gets better after a day in the fridge.
Why this recipe works
- Browning the beef adds deep flavor
- Classic veggies hold up well over long cooking
- Thick, satisfying gravy
What we need
- Stew beef
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Beef broth
2. Red Wine Beef Stew
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Savory and rich with a splash of dry red wine and aromatic herbs.
This version swaps some of the broth for red wine, giving the stew a deep, complex flavor. We keep it simple with carrots, celery, and onion, and let it all simmer low and slow. It’s great with crusty bread or poured over mashed potatoes.
Why this recipe works
- Wine adds depth and balance
- Slow cooking makes the beef ultra-tender
- Feels a little fancy without extra work
What we need
- Stew beef
- Dry red wine
- Carrots
- Onion
- Garlic
3. Irish Guinness Beef Stew
Bold and slightly bitter, this one’s perfect with a side of buttery bread.
We simmer chunks of beef with Guinness stout, onions, and root vegetables for a dark, rich broth with roasted flavor. The beer doesn’t make it taste boozy—it just adds body and a malty backdrop to the savory beef.
Why this recipe works
- Guinness builds a hearty, rich stew
- Root veggies add natural sweetness
- Ideal for cold evenings or meal prep
What we need
- Stew beef
- Guinness beer
- Parsnips or carrots
- Potatoes
- Onion
4. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Set it and forget it—this stew simmers all day and comes out just right.
We toss browned beef, chopped veggies, broth, and seasonings into the slow cooker and let time do the rest. By the end of the day, everything’s tender and the broth has thickened into a full-flavored gravy.
Why this recipe works
- Totally hands-off after prep
- Easy to scale for leftovers
- Consistently tender results
What we need
- Stew beef
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
5. Beef and Barley Stew
Hearty and wholesome, with chewy barley and fall-apart beef.
We simmer beef with pearl barley, carrots, celery, and onions in a beefy broth. The barley thickens the stew naturally and gives it a nutty, chewy texture that makes every spoonful satisfying.
Why this recipe works
- Barley adds nutrition and texture
- Thickens stew without flour
- Perfect for freezing or next-day lunches
What we need
- Stew beef
- Pearl barley
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
6. Tomato Basil Beef Stew
A fresh twist on stew with bright tomato and herby flavor.
We build a base with canned tomatoes and beef broth, then simmer beef, carrots, and potatoes until tender. Add a handful of chopped basil at the end for a lift of freshness that balances the richness of the meat.
Why this recipe works
- Tomato base adds brightness
- Basil cuts through heavier flavors
- Nice variation from traditional brown gravy stews
What we need
- Stew beef
- Diced tomatoes
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Fresh basil
7. Moroccan-Inspired Beef Stew
Warm spices, tender beef, and sweet dried fruits create a bold and comforting bowl.
We season stew beef with cinnamon, cumin, and paprika, then simmer it with onion, chickpeas, and dried apricots or raisins. The result is a rich, sweet-savory stew that’s perfect served over couscous or rice.
Why this recipe works
- Sweet and savory notes balance beautifully
- Moroccan spices add complexity
- Feels cozy, but totally different from traditional stew
What we need
- Stew beef
- Chickpeas
- Dried apricots or raisins
- Onion
- Cumin and cinnamon
8. Asian-Style Ginger Soy Beef Stew
Umami-packed and full of ginger, soy, and slow-cooked tenderness.
We sear beef and simmer it in a broth of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar. Add carrots and daikon or potatoes to soak up the sauce. It’s a lighter, flavorful option with deep savory notes.
Why this recipe works
- Soy and ginger give it bold umami flavor
- Simpler ingredient list, complex result
- Great served with rice or noodles
What we need
- Stew beef
- Soy sauce
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic
- Carrots or daikon
9. Mushroom and Red Wine Beef Stew
Deep, earthy, and full of flavor thanks to mushrooms and bold red wine.
We cook beef with mushrooms, onion, garlic, and a generous splash of red wine for a stew that’s rich but balanced. The mushrooms soak up the sauce and give it a meaty texture that matches the beef bite for bite.
Why this recipe works
- Mushrooms stretch the beef and deepen flavor
- Red wine makes the broth lush and aromatic
- Feels fancy, still easy
What we need
- Stew beef
- Mushrooms
- Red wine
- Onion
- Garlic
10. Southwestern Beef Stew
Spicy and bold with corn, beans, and smoky chili seasoning.
We season the beef with chili powder and cumin, then simmer with tomatoes, black beans, corn, and peppers. The result is stew-meets-chili, with just enough kick to warm you up without overwhelming the bowl.
Why this recipe works
- Big flavor, easy pantry ingredients
- Bold enough for stew lovers and chili fans
- Customizable heat level
What we need
- Stew beef
- Black beans
- Corn
- Diced tomatoes
- Bell peppers or jalapeño
11. Italian Beef Stew with Polenta
Tomato-rich, herby beef stew served over soft, creamy polenta.
We simmer beef in a sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Serve it ladled over polenta instead of potatoes for a cozy Italian-style take that’s smooth, saucy, and super comforting.
Why this recipe works
- Tomato and herb base is full of flavor
- Polenta adds a creamy contrast
- Great twist on the usual stew setup
What we need
- Stew beef
- Crushed tomatoes
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Polenta
12. French-Style Beef Stew (Boeuf Bourguignon)
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A rich, slow-simmered French classic with red wine, mushrooms, and pearl onions.
We brown chunks of beef and let them simmer with wine, beef stock, and aromatics until fork-tender. Finish with mushrooms and pearl onions for a beautiful, flavorful dish that’s as elegant as it is cozy.
Why this recipe works
- Wine and time make it deeply savory
- Pearl onions and mushrooms keep it classic
- Impressive enough for guests, simple enough for Sundays
What we need
- Stew beef
- Red wine
- Pearl onions
- Mushrooms
- Beef broth
13. Korean-Inspired Gochujang Beef Stew
Spicy, savory, and slightly sweet with bold Korean chili paste and tender beef.
We slow-simmer stew beef with garlic, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and brown sugar for a stew that’s fiery and comforting. Add carrots, potatoes, or even kimchi if you like a deeper kick.
Why this recipe works
- Gochujang gives it heat and depth
- Sweet and spicy balance each other perfectly
- Great for serving over rice or noodles
What we need
- Stew beef
- Gochujang
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Carrots or potatoes
14. Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
A hearty twist using sweet potatoes for extra richness and a touch of sweetness.
We swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes and simmer them with beef, onions, and broth. The sweet potatoes break down a bit into the broth, thickening it naturally and adding a mellow, earthy sweetness.
Why this recipe works
- Sweet potatoes hold up and thicken the stew
- Great flavor without needing extra ingredients
- Balanced, comforting, and nutrient-rich
What we need
- Stew beef
- Sweet potatoes
- Onion
- Beef broth
- Garlic
15. Coconut Curry Beef Stew
Creamy, aromatic, and spiced just enough to warm you up.
We cook beef with onion, curry powder or paste, and coconut milk until the meat is tender and the sauce is silky. Add peas or spinach for color and serve with jasmine rice. It’s rich, flavorful, and unexpected.
Why this recipe works
- Coconut milk keeps it rich without being heavy
- Curry adds warmth and depth
- Great for switching things up from classic stew
What we need
- Stew beef
- Coconut milk
- Onion
- Curry powder or paste
- Garlic or ginger
16. Smoked Paprika Beef Stew
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A little smoky, a little spicy, and loaded with rich beef flavor.
We season beef with smoked paprika and sear it before simmering with potatoes, carrots, and tomato paste. The paprika gives the whole dish a subtle smokiness that’s especially great for fall or winter nights.
Why this recipe works
- Smoked paprika adds tons of flavor
- Tomato paste thickens the broth
- Bold and comforting without being spicy
What we need
- Stew beef
- Smoked paprika
- Tomato paste
- Potatoes
- Carrots
17. Instant Pot Beef Stew (Quick Version)
All the comfort of slow stew—ready in a fraction of the time.
We use the pressure cooker to get all-day flavor in under an hour. The beef gets tender, the broth thickens, and the veggies stay firm. It’s the best way to get stew on the table fast when you’re short on time but still want something cozy.
Why this recipe works
- Pressure cooker gives fast, tender results
- All the flavor of slow cooking in less than an hour
- Perfect weeknight comfort meal
What we need
- Stew beef
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Onion
- Beef broth
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