If you want comfort food that feels warm and filling, try this Ina Garten Beef Stew Recipe. It is rich, hearty and full of deep flavor.
The beef becomes very tender after slow cooking. The vegetables soak up the tasty broth well. This stew is perfect for cold days and family dinners.
You can make it ahead and enjoy later. Learning how to make Ina Garten Beef Stew is easy with simple steps and basic ingredients.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Beef Stew
I first made this stew on a cold evening. I wanted something cozy and filling. The smell filled my kitchen slowly.
The beef cooked soft and juicy. The vegetables stayed tender, not mushy. My family asked for seconds. I loved how calm the cooking process felt.
This recipe does not rush you. It gives great results every time. Now, it is my favorite winter meal.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Beef Stew
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Beef Stew Recipe
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Step-by-Step Guide
Heat the Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Brown the Beef
Add beef cubes in batches. Brown all sides evenly.
Remove the Beef
Take beef out and set aside on a plate.
Cook the Onion
Add chopped onion to the pot. Cook until soft.
Add Garlic and Paste
Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for one minute.
Deglaze the Pot
Pour red wine into the pot. Scrape brown bits gently.
Add Broth and Beef
Add beef broth and browned beef back into pot.
Season the Stew
Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
Simmer Slowly
Cover and simmer on low heat for ninety minutes.
Add Vegetables
Add carrots and potatoes. Cook for thirty more minutes.
Check Tenderness
Beef should be very tender. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Rest Before Serving
Turn off heat. Let stew rest ten minutes.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Beef Stew Recipe
- Use beef chuck for best texture.
- Brown meat well for deep flavor.
- Cook on low heat slowly.
- Cut vegetables in similar sizes.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping beef browning step.
- Cooking on high heat.
- Adding vegetables too early.
- Using lean beef cuts.
- Forgetting to taste before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stew hot in deep bowls. It tastes great with crusty bread or dinner rolls. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes.
A simple green salad works well on the side. This stew is filling enough on its own. It is perfect for family dinners or relaxed weekends at home.
Variations You Can Try
- Add mushrooms for extra texture.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones.
- Skip wine and use more broth.
- Add peas at the end for color.
- Use fresh rosemary instead of thyme.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Let stew cool before storing.
- Keep in airtight container in fridge.
- Stays fresh for four days.
- Freeze for up to three months.
- Reheat slowly on low heat.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
Health Benefits
This stew provides strong protein from beef. It helps build and repair muscles. Vegetables add fiber and vitamins. Slow cooking keeps nutrients locked in.
Homemade stew has fewer preservatives. You control salt and fat easily. It is a balanced meal that keeps you full longer. It also gives warmth and comfort.

Ina Garten Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 potatoes cubed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
Heat the Oil
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Brown the Beef
- Add beef cubes in batches. Brown all sides evenly.
Remove the Beef
- Take beef out and set aside on a plate.
Cook the Onion
- Add chopped onion to the pot. Cook until soft.
Add Garlic and Paste
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for one minute.
Deglaze the Pot
- Pour red wine into the pot. Scrape brown bits gently.
Add Broth and Beef
- Add beef broth and browned beef back into pot.
Season the Stew
- Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
Simmer Slowly
- Cover and simmer on low heat for ninety minutes.
Add Vegetables
- Add carrots and potatoes. Cook for thirty more minutes.
Check Tenderness
- Beef should be very tender. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Rest Before Serving
- Turn off heat. Let stew rest ten minutes.
Notes
- Use beef chuck for best texture.
- Brown meat well for deep flavor.
- Cook on low heat slowly.
- Cut vegetables in similar sizes.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt.
FAQs about Ina Garten Beef Stew Recipe
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day. Flavors deepen after resting overnight in the fridge.
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Beef chuck is best. It becomes very tender during slow cooking and stays juicy.
Can I cook this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning beef, add everything to slow cooker. Cook on low for eight hours.
Can I skip the wine in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace wine with extra beef broth. The stew will still taste rich.
How do I thicken the stew if needed?
You can simmer uncovered longer. Mashed potatoes also help thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Beef Stew Recipe is comforting and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients and clear steps. The slow cooking brings rich flavor.
It is perfect for family meals and cold nights. Once you try it, you will make it often. Enjoy cooking and sharing this warm, hearty dish.

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

















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