If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-soothing meal that feeds a crowd and warms everyone’s hearts, this Comforting Beef Stew for a Crowd Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, luscious broth, it’s the perfect dish to gather friends and family around the table. Each bite offers a cozy mix of deep umami flavors and satisfying textures that make it clear this isn’t just any stew—it’s a celebration in a pot, ideal for sharing and savoring together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients ensures every spoonful of this stew bursts with flavor and comforting textures. From the tender beef chuck to the fresh herbs, each element plays a vital role in uniting the dish into a perfect harmony of taste and color.
- 3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes: The star of the stew, providing tenderness and rich beefy flavor after slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For beautifully browning the beef and building a deep base flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle punch of aromatic warmth.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies color and adds a tangy richness to the broth.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the stew, creating a velvety texture.
- 6 cups beef broth: Provides the savory liquid foundation the stew simmers in.
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional): Adds complexity, but can be substituted with more broth if preferred.
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced: Offer natural sweetness and tender bite.
- 4 celery stalks, chopped: Contribute a subtle refreshing crunch and aroma.
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed: Make the stew hearty and comforting with their creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances savory depth and umami notes.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Adds herbal earthiness that complements the beef.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse the broth with a gentle herbal fragrance.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors into balance.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in last for bursts of gentle sweetness and color.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Freshens and brightens the final stew when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Comforting Beef Stew for a Crowd Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by seasoning the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper to amplify their natural flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches. This process caramelizes the meat’s surface, locking in juices and creating a rich, savory base for your stew. Once browned, set the beef aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Tomato Paste
Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the pot, letting them cook until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, around one minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another two minutes, intensifying the stew’s color and depth. Then sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to combine and begin thickening the foundation of your stew.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Return Beef
Gradually pour in the beef broth and red wine, stirring as you go to release any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—this adds wonderful flavor power. Return the browned beef chunks to the pot, nestling them into the savory liquid.
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables and Seasonings
Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, cubed potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Season again with salt and black pepper to your liking. These vegetables bring vibrant color and balance, while the herbs and sauces layer in complexity and earthiness. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently on low heat for 2 to 2 and a half hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking breaks down the beef to luscious tenderness and softens the vegetables just right. In the last 10 minutes, stir in the frozen peas for a fresh pop of sweetness and color. Finish by removing the bay leaves and adjusting the seasoning if needed.
How to Serve Comforting Beef Stew for a Crowd Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch, bringing brightness and a slight herbal note that balances out the stew’s rich, meaty flavors. For extra comfort, a dollop of sour cream or a bit of grated sharp cheddar can also be a wonderful addition.
Side Dishes
This stew begs to be paired with something soft and absorbent. Crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or creamy mashed potatoes scoop up every luscious bite. If you want to add a veggie side, a simple leafy green salad with a vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this stew in rustic stoneware bowls or deep soup plates, allowing the natural juices and vibrant vegetables to shine. For a fun twist, ladle the stew over buttered egg noodles or pillow soft polenta. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that looks as fantastic as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for easy and delicious meals throughout the week.
Freezing
This Comforting Beef Stew for a Crowd Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the stew if it has thickened too much. Reheating slowly helps preserve the tender texture of the beef and keeps the vegetables intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, other stew-friendly cuts like brisket or round can also work well if you cook them low and slow to break down toughness.
Do I have to use red wine in the recipe?
Not at all. The red wine adds depth and complexity but can be easily substituted with extra beef broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess without alcohol.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
Simmering the stew uncovered for the last 20 minutes allows the liquid to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, mix a little flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, cooking until thickened.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Just add the peas near the end to keep their fresh color and texture.
What’s the best way to reheat the stew without drying it out?
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed. Avoid microwaving for long periods, which can dry out the beef and vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Comforting Beef Stew for a Crowd Recipe is a true kitchen champion when it comes to feeding lots of people with love and flavor. It’s the kind of dish that turns chilly evenings into memorable family dinners and celebrations into cozy gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you want to share a warm, satisfying meal with everyone you care about. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your home.
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Comforting Beef Stew for a Crowd Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This comforting beef stew is perfect for feeding a crowd, featuring tender beef chuck simmered with hearty vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Slow-cooked on the stovetop until fork-tender, this classic American dish delivers warmth and satisfaction, ideal for cold-weather meals or make-ahead dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional – use more broth if omitting)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
Herbs and Garnish
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Brown the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, turning to sear all sides evenly. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium in the same pot. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes. Then sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until well combined, creating a roux to thicken the stew.
- Deglaze and Combine Liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), stirring constantly to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
- Add Beef and Vegetables: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, cubed potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables have softened.
- Finish with Peas and Adjust Seasonings: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning as needed, and garnish the stew with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- The stew tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
- Serve with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a complete comfort meal.
- To thicken the stew, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-friendly version.
