It’s getting cooler outside, and I just love making a warm, filling meal for my family. Nothing beats a good stew when you want something comforting and easy to prepare.
Today, I’m sharing three fantastic stew recipes that are perfect for any chilly evening, from quick weeknight options to a slow-cooked favorite that will fill your home with wonderful smells. I think you’ll find a new favorite among these hearty options.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe For Warm Evenings
- 2. Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- 3. Irish Beef Stew
Hearty Cowboy Stew Recipe For Warm Evenings
This cowboy stew is a quick and satisfying meal, full of robust flavors. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner when you need something warm fast.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cowboy Stew
- Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a deep, smoky flavor that makes this stew stand out. It gives a nice warmth without being overly spicy.
- Kidney Beans: They make the stew very filling and add good texture. Always remember to rinse canned beans well before adding them to your pot.
What You Need for Cowboy Stew
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 45 mins🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Cowboy Stew
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned. Drain any extra fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion softens.
Step 2: Combine Everything
Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, beef broth, and smoked paprika. Make sure everything is mixed together well in the pot.
Step 3: Simmer
Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mix together fully. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
📝 Final Note
Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store any extra stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
This beef stew uses your crock pot to make a tender, rich meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready when you get home.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Crock Pot Stew
- Chuck Roast: This cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes incredibly tender over a long time. Cut it into 1-inch pieces for the best results.
- Low & Slow Cooking: The secret to a super tender stew is letting your crock pot do the work for hours. This method breaks down the meat and mixes all the flavors beautifully.
What You Need for Crock Pot Stew
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
⏱️ Time: 6-8 hours🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make Crock Pot Stew
Step 1: Sear the Beef
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides. You don’t need to cook them all the way through, just get a nice crust on the outside. Season the beef with salt and pepper before searing.
Step 2: Load the Crock Pot
Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot. Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if you are using it). Stir in the tomato paste and dried thyme.
Step 3: Cook
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are soft. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
📝 Final Note
This stew freezes well! Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Irish Beef Stew
A classic Irish beef stew, hearty and full of rich flavor, especially with a touch of Guinness. This is a comforting dish that feels special for any meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Irish Stew
- Guinness Stout: Using Guinness adds a unique, deep, slightly malty flavor that is traditional for Irish stew. Don’t worry, the alcohol cooks out as it simmers.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are essential for this stew. They soak up the rich broth and add a lovely sweetness and texture to the dish.
What You Need for Irish Stew
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 (14.9 oz) can Guinness stout
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper
⏱️ Time: 2 hours🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Irish Stew
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat in batches until a nice crust forms. Remove the beef, then add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Build the Stew
Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the Guinness and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, and fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Serve hot.
📝 Final Note
For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
