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Beef Stew for a Crowd: Delicious Recipes and Tips for Serving a Large Group


  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 140 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

This hearty beef stew is a comforting one-pot meal filled with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors, perfect for chilly days. It’s easy to prepare and tastes even better the next day!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 large carrots, sliced
  • 4 large potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups celery, chopped
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, but recommended)
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  4. Working in batches, add the beef cubes to the pot and sear the beef on all sides until it’s nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside on a plate.
  5. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  6. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.
  7. Toss in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
  8. If you’re using red wine, pour it into the pot now and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
  9. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
  10. Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate.
  11. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. Mix everything well to combine.
  12. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
  13. After the stew has simmered, check the beef for tenderness. If it’s not quite there yet, let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
  14. If you’re adding frozen peas, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  15. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  16. Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  17. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • If you have leftovers, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes