Pin it A hearty, rustic beef stew simmered with root vegetables, mushrooms, and herbs, served alongside a golden, crusty homemade bread—perfect for a comforting, cozy dinner.
This stew recipe has become a family favorite for chilly evenings, bringing everyone together around the table with its rich and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Stew: 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large yellow onion diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 3 medium carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks, 2 parsnips peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks, 2 celery stalks sliced, 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms quartered, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup (240 ml) dry red wine, 4 cups (1 L) beef broth, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1½ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste), ½ tsp black pepper, 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional for thickening), ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- For the Crusty Homemade Bread: 3½ cups (440 g) bread flour (plus extra for dusting), 2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp instant yeast, 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread dough:
- In a large bowl, mix bread flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and stir just until a sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the stew:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat beef cubes dry and brown them in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side. Set browned beef aside. In the same pot, add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, carrots, parsnips, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté for another 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally. Add potatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer uncovered for another 45 minutes, or until beef and vegetables are tender. If a thicker stew is desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Bake the bread:
- About 45 minutes before serving, preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with lid) inside to heat for 30 minutes. Turn dough onto floured surface. Shape into a round loaf. Place on parchment paper, cover loosely, and let rest 20–30 minutes. Carefully remove hot pot from oven. Lift dough with parchment paper and place inside. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake another 10–15 minutes, until golden and crusty. Let bread cool slightly before slicing. Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with warm bread.
Pin it Making this stew always fills our home with warmth and brings the family together for a memorable meal.
Notes
Substitute sweet potatoes or turnips for parsnips for a different flavor profile. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth. Pair with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Required Tools
Large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, parchment paper, oven mitts
Nutritional Information
Calories 565, Total Fat 15 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 38 g per serving
Pin it 
Serve this stew with freshly baked bread to enjoy a heartwarming and hearty meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef works best for this stew?
Beef chuck is ideal due to its marbling, which renders tender and flavorful meat after slow cooking.
- → How can I thicken the stew if needed?
Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the simmering stew. Cook a few more minutes until it thickens to desired consistency.
- → What vegetables add the most flavor to the stew?
Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Yukon Gold potatoes absorb savory juices and provide natural sweetness, enhancing the overall taste.
- → How do I achieve a crusty exterior on the bread?
Baking the dough inside a preheated Dutch oven traps steam, helping develop a golden, crisp crust with a soft crumb.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, both stew and bread can be made earlier; flavors deepen in the stew when rested, and bread can be refreshed with a brief oven warm-up.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
Robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon complement the rich, earthy flavors present in the beef and broth.