A long-time reader favorite with over 200 five-star reviews, my Dutch Oven Beef Stew recipe is one of my most popular! I’ve tested it over and over again in my kitchen, so you can trust it will turn out perfectly every time!
This Dutch oven beef stew is cooked in the oven for about 2 hours to ensure it is very tender and ultra flavorful. The gravy is perfectly rich and thick, and the vegetables make it so hearty and comforting.
Quick Look: Hearty Dutch Oven Beef Stew
- Prep Time: 30 mins, Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Method: Starts on the stovetop, then finished in the oven
- Main Ingredients: Beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, fresh herbs
- Flavor Profile: Rich, savory, melt-in-your-mouth tender
- Ideal for: Comfort food meals, weekend cooking, family dinner
I mean, look at that beautiful caramelization from browning the meat!
Jump to:
- Quick Look: Hearty Dutch Oven Beef Stew
- Ultra Flavorful and Tender Beef Stew
- Cooking Beef Stew in the Oven
- Ingredient Notes
- How To Make Dutch Oven Beef Stew
- Tips for Success
- Recipe FAQs
- Make Ahead and Freezing
- My Dutch Oven Recommendations
- What To Serve With Beef Stew
- More Stews and Roasts
- Hearty Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Cooking Beef Stew in the Oven
There are so many methods for making beef stew: slow cooker, stovetop, pressure cooker, etc. I’ve tried them all and my absolute favorite method is by making it on the stovetop first (in my Dutch oven) and then cooking it in the oven.
Dutch ovens retain heat really well, so it’s a great vessel for cooking large batch dishes, such as beef stew. After a lot of testing in my own kitchen, this Dutch oven beef stew turns out incredibly very fall-apart tender and rich. Every single time!
Here’s why: First, using a Dutch oven builds layers of flavor. From searing the beef to cooking all the aromatics in one pot, you develop a depth and complexity you just can’t get by skipping the browning and tossing everything in at once.
Second, baking the stew in the oven for close to 2 hours really helps the flavors come together and make the beef ultra tender.
And hey, if you need a slow cooker version, try my Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe! I’ve adapted it to be incredibly delicious and rich with the convenience of the crockpot.
Ingredient Notes
- Beef chuck roast: Don’t even bother getting an expensive cut of meat for stews. You actually want tough cuts of meat because these contain more connective tissue, which result in that melt-in-your-mouth bite when cooked slowly. My favorite beef stew cut comes from the shoulder, also known as the chuck.
- Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce: My secret flavor booster duo! They add instant depth and complexity.
- Red wine: Use a light to medium-bodied red (like Pinot Noir or Merlot) to tenderize the meat and add balancing acidity. The acidity from red wine adds complex flavors.
- Carrots and onions: A classic vegetable pairing for stews! The onions also add flavor for the base.
- Potatoes: Yukon Golds hold their shape beautifully. Avoid Russets since these break down easily.
- Beef broth: Use a high-quality broth as the foundation for your rich gravy.
- Aromatics: Plenty of fresh garlic, thyme, rosemary, and dried bay leaves.
- All-purpose flour: To thicken the stew. Watery and thin stews are a no-no!
- Parsley and green peas: I add chopped Italian parsley for color and vibrance at the end. If you’re not a big fan of peas, omit them.
- Other: Olive oil for searing, salt, and pepper.
As always, ingredient quantities are listed in the recipe card down below.
Substitutions and Variations
- Wine: Swap with extra beef broth. I also add a splash of balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) to incorporate a similar acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Meat: Stick with chuck roast, it’s got the right amount of fat and marbling, which is flavor. Leaner cuts like sirloin or round can turn dry and stringy.
- Herbs: If using dried, use about half the amount of fresh. Dried herbs are stronger.
- Vegetables: Some readers have mentioned adding sweet potatoes, mushrooms and celery. For a seasonal twist, try my Butternut Squash Beef Stew.
How To Make Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Active prep time is about 30 minutes, and the rest is just oven time. I promise this recipe it’s very easy!
Step 1 | Season and sear the beef
Preheat oven to 325°F. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. In a 6-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over high heat. Sear in multiple batches until browned and golden. Transfer to a plate, leaving the browned bits in the pot, we’ll deglaze later.
Pro Tip: Ensure the pot is hot before starting and never overcrowd it. I usually do 2-3 batches to ensure that each piece has space to sear properly, otherwise it will steam instead.
Step 2 | Sauté vegetables and build flavors
Sauté onion and carrots: Reduce to medium heat. Cook onions and carrots for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of wine or broth to deglaze.
Add flavor boosters and deglaze with wine: Stir in the aromatics like garlic, thyme, tomato paste, and Worcestershire until it smells really good! Next, stir in the red wine, scraping to deglaze and release the flavorful browned bits. Simmer until the wine is almost reduced, about 3 minutes.
Quick Tip: I always use a wooden spoon to prevent scratching the pot.
Step 3 | Thicken and bring everything together
Stir in flour to coat. Add beef broth, then bring to a simmer until it starts to thicken. For 4 cups of beef broth, I used 1/4 cup of flour and it was the perfect consistency! Pro Tip: Let the flour cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste before adding the broth.
Return the beef and add potatoes, tuck in bay leaves (you can also add rosemary). Season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Bring to a low boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4 | Finish in the oven
Cover tightly with the lid and bake in the oven at 325°F for 1 hour 45 minutes (or 2 hours), until the beef is very tender. The gravy will thicken just right during this time. At this point, your house should smell amazing!
Stir in peas during the last 10 minutes. I like to finish my Dutch oven beef stew with freshly chopped Italian parsley for that pop of color and freshness!
Tips for Success
- What can I use instead of wine? This is the most common question! Substitute with beef broth, and if you want, add a good splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar acidity.
- Avoid pre-cut stew meat: They can be unevenly cut and sometimes come with tougher pieces. Buy a chuck roast and cut it into even-sized cubes instead.
- Use a 6-quart Dutch oven: This size gives everything enough room to cook evenly without crowding or spilling.
- Searing in batches over high heat. Don’t rush this step. Leave it alone until it develops a deep, golden crust – try not to flip the meat too soon.
- Fresh aromatics. Use fresh herbs and fresh garlic. It makes a big difference!
- Use firm potatoes, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes. Stay away from Russets since they break down and disintegrate easily.
- Low and slow. 325°F is the ideal oven temperature for this Dutch oven beef stew recipe, but you can also cook lower to 300ºF for closer to about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, absolutely. Simply substitute with more beef broth. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic that acidity. It cuts through the richness and balanced flavors.
Personally, I use a light or medium-bodied wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon works too but it’s on the heavier side.
It’s not necessary. The Dutch oven heats up really well so it’s able to create a really good sear on the outside without needing a flour coating.
They won’t since we’re using low oven temperature. But if you’d like, cut them into larger chunks.
Yes, but the oven provides more even, surrounding heat and prevents the bottom from burning. If using the stove, simmer on low for 90 minutes, adding veggies in the final 30 minutes.
Make Ahead and Freezing
Make ahead: It’s no secret that beef stew always tastes even better the next day, making it a great make ahead option. Reheat over the stovetop on low heat or microwave oven, adding a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Freezing: Once your Dutch oven beef stew is cooled, divide up into portions (I use Souper Cubes) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat, or reheat from frozen on the stovetop.
My Dutch Oven Recommendations
- Size: This Dutch oven beef stew recipe yields enough for about 6 people, so a 6 ot 7-quart pot is ideal.
- Material: Enameled cast iron is robust and usually quite heavy. The heavy lid and thick walls provide the perfect environment for braising, but if you prefer a lighter pot, Emile Henry’s ceramic line is wonderful.
- Budget: For something more mid-price range, I love my Lodge 6-quart (I have the red one). For something fancier, I love my Staub 7-quart Cocotte.
What To Serve With Beef Stew
Mashed potatoes: Potatoes on potatoes? Yes please! Serve your oven beef stew with my simple Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Dinner rolls: Soft Honey Butter Rolls or Garlic Dinner Rolls. Or try my Cheddar Chive Biscuits!
Salads and greens: Lemon Green Beans and Balsamic Brussels Sprouts!
More Stews and Roasts
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Hearty Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Ingredients
For the meat:
- 3 pounds whole boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5 inch chunks
- 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Olive oil
Stew
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup red wine - or beef broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
- 4 cups beef broth, plus more as needed
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced - see note below
- 2 dried bay leaves
- Chopped parsley
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Frozen or fresh green peas - optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325ºF.
- Season beef chunks with 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Heat some olive oil over high heat in a large Dutch oven or a heavy oven-proof pot, and sear beef on all sides until nicely browned. Do this in batches to not overcrowd the pan and to prevent steaming. If you notice that it begins to steam up, remove the excess liquid and continue browning.
- Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside. It will not be fully cooked at this point. Leave the brown bits, don’t wipe the pot clean.
- Over medium heat, add some olive oil, onion, garlic, and carrots to the same Dutch oven and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh thyme, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, and cook until slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add red wine, scraping the browned bits, and cook until reduced, about 3 minutes. If you don’t want to use wine, you can use beef broth. Quick tip: use a wooden spoon to avoid scratching the Dutch oven or pot.
- Add flour and stir to coat. Add 4 cups of beef broth, and stir until the flour is incorporated and starts to thicken. Add the seared beef, cubed potatoes, and bay leaves. If too thick, add more broth as needed. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 5-7 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at this point if needed.
- Cover with an oven-safe lid. Finish cooking in the oven at 325ºF for about 1 hour and 45 minutes (or 2 hours) until the meat is tender. If desired, stir in peas 10 minutes before the cooking time is up.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve with some chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Choose the right cut of beef: 3 pounds of beef chuck roast cut into even 1.5-inch pieces. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin or round, as they become dry and stringy
- Avoid pre-cut stew meat: These are often unevenly sized and may contain tougher pieces of meat.
- Sear in batches: Sear the meat in 2-3 batches over high heat to ensure a deep, golden crust; overcrowding the pot will cause the meat to steam instead of sear.
- Potatoes: Avoid Russets since these break down easily. Use Yukon gold or red potatoes.
- Oven cook time: While 325°F is the standard for a 1 hour 45 minutes to 2-hour cook time, you can also do 300°F and for 2.5 to 3 hours for even more tenderness.
- Make ahead: This stew is an excellent make-ahead meal as the flavors develop and improve the next day. Reheat with an extra splash of broth.
- Freezing leftovers: Freeze in freezer-friendly containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop.
- Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with an equal amount of beef broth. Adding a splash of balsamic or apple cider vinegar can provide a similar acidity to balance the richness.
- Herbs: If you only have dried herbs on hand, use half the amount called for in the fresh herb measurements.
- Vegetable add-ins: Feel free to customize the hearty base by adding mushrooms, celery, rutabaga, or sweet potatoes.
- Peas: If you aren’t a fan of peas, they can be easily omitted from the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Bianca says
This recipe is so delicious and pretty easy to put together. Question – if I wanted to double up the recipe (using 6lbs of meat) would I still cook it for the same amount of time?
Tania says
Hi Bianca! If doubling, I’d recommend using 2 separate Dutch ovens because too much in one pot may spill over – if so, no need to change the cook times. However, if you have a Dutch oven that is large enough for doubling the recipe, then yes, increase the cook time by an extra 30-45 minutes or until the beef is tender to your liking.
Mimi says
I don’t typically follow recipes perfectly, but, other than using dried thyme, I did with this recipe. It is the best beef stew! I’m making for the second time right now, and am going to try adding in some sautéed baby bella mushrooms, because I am low carb. I’ll do some potatoes on the side for my husband.
David OHara says
I made this pretty much as directed but added a cubed rutabaga, celery and sliced Bella mushrooms. Simply the best stew recipe I have ever tried.
Tori R says
Such a great recipe! I’ve made this twice now and we all love it
Linda says
Delicious. Can I use crock pot?
Tania says
Yes! Here is my slow cooker beef stew recipe!
Maria says
This is the only way I will make beef stew from now on! Absolutely delicious, and a crowd pleaser. It also holds up good as leftovers.
Brooke says
Is there a way I could make this on the stove using a large steel pot?
Tania says
You can, yes, especially if it’s a heavy duty one. Also make sure it’s oven-safe.
Amy Wright says
This is amazingly delicious!! Love this recipe !!
Erin says
Made this as instructed, but I used dried thyme and a teaspoon of rosemary, my boyfriend said it was the best beef stew he ever tasted! Delicious recipe, thank you for sharing. I will be making this again!
Stephani McLelland says
This is a great recipe. I also lowered the temp cooked for 3 hours adding button mushrooms in the last hour. On a cold raining day the house smells like home!!
Mark says
I’ve used this recipe for awhile now and the only change I make is instead of red wine I use Guinness beer maybe a little more and my wife say it’s brings back memories of her mom’s beef stew.
R.J. says
Followed pretty close, but I have a little extra time. So I reduced heat to 275, and give it another hour. Low and slow, baby!
Janeleslie says
This was wonderful.
Alexandria says
Perfect stew recipe. Thank you! I’ve made this multiple times and everyone in the family loves it. Even the toddler!
Paige says
Amazing