This Best Ever Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Tender chunks of beef meld with savory vegetables and a deeply satisfying broth, creating a dish perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave warmth in a bowl. The slow-cooked magic brings out the best in each ingredient, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Easy to follow yet impressively flavorful, this stew turns a simple meal into a family favorite. From browning the beef to simmering everything into a luscious, thick broth, it’s a classic that feels both indulgent and homey, sure to satisfy every appetite.
Best Ever Beef Stew
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 2 pounds |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Seasoning salt | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Onion, diced | 1 large |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Worcestershire sauce | ¼ cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Beef demi-glace (or Swanson Flavor Boost) | 2 heaping tsp |
| Red-skinned potatoes, diced | 4 medium to large |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 3 large |
| Celery, diced | 1 stalk |
Instructions
-
Coat the beef
Place stew meat in a resealable bag. Add flour and seasoning salt, shaking until evenly coated. -
Brown the meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker and season with black pepper. -
Sauté the onion
Cook diced onion in the same skillet for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor. Transfer to the slow cooker. -
Deglaze the pan
Add Worcestershire sauce, water, and beef demi-glace to the skillet. Whisk to combine, scraping up any remaining bits, then remove from heat. -
Add vegetables
Layer potatoes, carrots, celery, and bay leaves on top of the meat and onions in the slow cooker. -
Combine everything
Pour the Worcestershire-broth mixture over the slow cooker ingredients. -
Slow cook to perfection
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. -
Finish and serve
Remove bay leaves, stir gently, and serve warm in bowls for a comforting, hearty meal.
