Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

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When the temperature drops and comfort food cravings hit, nothing satisfies quite like a bowl of Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew. This classic dish is a rich, savory blend of tender beef chunks, earthy mushrooms, and hearty vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or prepping a big batch for the week ahead, this stew delivers rustic, soul-soothing goodness in every bite.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in a Dutch oven in the oven. Each method brings out those deep, slow-cooked flavors that make beef stew such a beloved comfort dish. Add a crusty loaf of bread or creamy mashed potatoes on the side, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal that feels like a warm hug.

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What Cut of Beef is Best for Stew?

For a melt-in-your-mouth experience, opt for well-marbled cuts like chuck roast or stew meat. These cuts benefit from slow, gentle cooking that breaks down the connective tissue and infuses the broth with bold, beefy flavor. Avoid lean cuts that dry out during long cooking.

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Ingredients for the Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

Beef Chuck Roast or Stew Meat – This cut becomes beautifully tender when slow-cooked, making it the foundation of a hearty stew.

Cremini or Baby Bella Mushrooms – These add an earthy depth and meaty bite that pairs perfectly with beef.

Yellow Onion – Brings sweetness and balance as it softens into the stew.

Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and a tender, colorful contrast.

Celery – Enhances the aromatic base and balances the richness.

Garlic Cloves – Essential for building that savory flavor profile.

Tomato Paste – Adds umami richness and deepens the stew’s color.

Beef Broth – The liquid gold that ties everything together. Use low sodium for better control over seasoning.

Red Wine (optional) – Adds a luxurious depth and complexity.

Fresh Thyme & Rosemary – Elevate the aroma and provide that signature stew seasoning.

Worcestershire Sauce – A secret ingredient that adds bold umami notes.

Salt & Pepper – Season as you go to build layers of flavor.

Olive Oil or Butter – For browning the meat and sautéing vegetables.

All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the stew naturally during the simmer.

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How To Make the Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Start by patting your beef chunks dry with a paper towel, then season them generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. You want a rich, brown crust to form—this is where the flavor begins.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once all the beef is browned and removed from the pot, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to develop a rich base.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Broth

Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—those are flavor gold! Let the wine reduce for a minute or two, then add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, and the browned beef back into the pot.

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the beef to tenderize beautifully.

Step 5: Add Mushrooms and Thicken

Add the mushrooms in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they retain their texture and umami flavor. If you’d like a thicker stew, mix a spoonful of flour with a bit of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew and let it simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes.

Step 6: Taste and Finish

Before serving, taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove herb stems, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

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How to Serve and Store Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew

This stew is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right side can elevate it further. Serve it ladled over buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or warm egg noodles for a cozy dinner. A chunk of crusty sourdough or a buttery biscuit on the side is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the savory broth.

When it comes to storing, this dish is just as good (if not better) the next day. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this stew gluten-free?

To keep it gluten-free, skip the flour or use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot. Also, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are ideal, but white button mushrooms also work in a pinch. For added depth, try adding a few chopped dried porcini mushrooms.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this stew freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it fully before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Leave a little room for expansion.

Is red wine necessary?

Not at all. While it adds rich flavor, you can substitute with more broth or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Can I add potatoes directly to the stew?

You can, but they may get too soft with long cooking. If you want to add potatoes, go for waxy varieties like Yukon Gold and add them during the last hour of simmering.

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Want More Stew and Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Hearty Beef & Mushroom Stew, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring some of these rich and savory meals next:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a garlicky, creamy bite.
• Slow Cooker Brisket with Balsamic Gravy if you’re in the mood for a set-it-and-forget-it kind of dinner.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for an Italian-inspired comfort fix.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna when you want comfort with a seafood twist.
• Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for a cheesy, hearty weeknight favorite.

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Tried this stew? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you go with red wine or skip it? Maybe added some potatoes or used a different mushroom?

Drop your variations or questions in the comments—sharing helps us all cook better together.

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