Published: · Modified: · This website generates income via ads · by Mary
Jump to Recipe
Beef Stew Recipe for Two is an easy beef stew recipe that can be cooked on the stove-top, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker. The best part is the tender beef, but the vegetables and sauce are great as well. We ate ours with a take-and-bake loaf of bread brushed with one tablespoon oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan. Sometimes I omit the bread and serve the stew over cooked egg noodles. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it. If two starches bother you, swap out the potatoes for green beans.
Jump to:
- You'll Love my Beef Stew Recipe for Two
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos
- Alternative cooking methods
- FAQ'S
- Looking for More Hearty Beef Recipes?
- Equipment
- Food Storage Tips
- Expert Tips
- Perfect Pairings
- Beef Stew for Two
- Comments
You'll Love my Beef Stew Recipe for Two
- This beef stew is flavorful from the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, bay leaf, and lots of fresh sliced garlic.
- A bowl of beef stew will fill you up and warm you up from the inside out.
- Autumn is the perfect time to try new recipes for serving in winter.
- This recipe is conveniently developed for two large servings or three smaller servings, perfect to pair with a salad. If you need more servings you can adjust for that in the recipe card with just one click.
Ingredients
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos
Cut beef into large (1") pieces. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Toss the tender chunks of beef in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a Dutch oven or large pot.
Over medium-high heat, brown the beef, turning to sear all edges.
The beef should be seared well and brown bits should form on the bottom.
Add ¼ cup red wine or beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom.
Add the liquids plus the aromatics. Cover. Cook over low heat for 2 hours.
Prepare the vegetables as shown in the image and set them aside.
Add the prepared vegetables and tomato paste to the pot.
Stir to mix everything together and cook for an additional hour over low heat.
Make a cornstarch slurry and pour it into the pot. Stir as the sauce thickens.
Remove the stew from the heat and serve piping hot.
Alternative cooking methods
- Pressure Cooker
- Instant pot beef stew is to make. I sear the beef first on the saute setting then add the liquids and garlic and pressure cook the beef for 45 minutes. I then remove the beef and set it aside. I then add the vegetables and tomato paste to the liquid in the pot and pressure cook for 15 minutes. Add the remaining beef back in and saute for a few minutes until the beef is heated through. If the sauce is too thin I use one tablespoon of cornstarch in one tablespoon of water to make a slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Slow Cooker
- Slow cooker beef stew is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. Just sear the beef chunks in a large skillet and put all the ingredients except cornstarch in the cooker and cook according to manufacturer recommendations. I like to use high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. When cooking is done, use the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce if desired.
FAQ'S
What kind of beef is best for stew?
The most common beef used for stew is a chuck. If it is cut into chunks it is referred to as stew meat. Beef chuck is easy to find and it's affordable, making it a great choice for your stew. That said, some butchers use inferior scraps of beef and call it stew meat. Make sure your stew meat is beef chuck.
What is "fond" in cooking terms?
The term fond refers to the caramelized bits left in the bottom of a pan after you've browned meat or vegetables. Heat changes proteins and carbohydrates in ways that make them fall apart and stick together in browned, flavorful bits on the bottom of the cooking pot. Use a little wine or broth to loosen them with a wooden spoon.
Looking for More Hearty Beef Recipes?
Marcella Hazan's Classic Bolognese
Chili-Mac
Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Food Storage Tips
Leftover stew should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Expert Tips
- Cooks have been making beef stew for centuries. It does not really require any advanced cooking skills. My best tip is to follow the instructions for searing the beef. Use tongs to turn the beef to sear it on all sides. Get a nice hard sear on it. This will add flavor and build those brown bits or "fond" on the bottom of the pot. When you de-glaze the pot with wine or stock, great flavor is released into the stew. Don't skip this step.
- The real key to making a great stew is slow cooking. Slow cooking the flavors of the beef chuck, a collagen rich, fibrous cut of beef that needs at least two hours to break down. Cook over low, avoid boiling, and give the stew the time it needs.
- I leave my potatoes whole while cooking then slice them in half at serving time. This retains the color and integrity of the potato. If you prefer potatoes to take on the color of the broth and and fall apart a bit, by all means, halve them before cooking.
Perfect Pairings
What wine pairs well with beef stew?
For hearty stews with strong flavors, tender beef and vegetables, and rich, thick beefy sauce, select a Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, or Shiraz. These red wines will be able to hold their own against the rich sauce.
Beef Stew for Two
Beef Stew Recipe for Two is an easy beef stew recipe that can be cooked on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker.
4.94 from 59 votes
Print RecipePin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 3 hours hrs
Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Servings 2
Budget Cheap
Equipment
Dutch Oven
wooden spoon
Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 10 ounces Beef chuck
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon All purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- ¼ cup Red Wine (optional) or use additional beef broth
- 1 cup Beef Broth or beef stock
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 Bay Leaf or two small
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 6 small Yukon Gold Potatoes russet potatoes break apart too easily.
- 1 small Onion
- 2 carrots Carrot
- ⅓ cup Peas
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 sprig Fresh thyme optional
Instructions
Cut beef into large (1") pieces. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Toss the chunks of beef in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a Dutch oven or large pot.
Over medium-high heat, brown the beef, turning to sear all edges.
The beef should be seared well and brown bits should form on the bottom of the pan.
Add ¼ cup red wine or beef broth to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom to loosen the bits.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, beef broth, bay leaf, garlic, and fresh thyme (optional). Cover. Simmer over low heat for 2 hours.
Prepare the vegetables leaving the potatoes whole if they are small, peeling and cutting the carrots into 1" pieces, cutting the onion into sixths, and slicing the garlic.
Add the prepared vegetables and tomato paste to the pot.
Stir to mix everything together and simmer for an additional hour over low heat.
If the liquid is the right consistency for you skip this step. If not, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and pouring it into the pot. Stir as the sauce thickens.
Remove the stew from the heat and serve piping hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 746kcalCarbohydrates: 99gProtein: 37gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 1600mgPotassium: 2672mgFiber: 13gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 454IUVitamin C: 92mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 8mg
DISCLAIMERS
Approximate nutrition information is provided as a convenience and courtesy only. You are encouraged to do your own calculations if precise data is required.
We take every effort to ensure that the estimated meal cost per serving is accurate. We use a meal cost analysis application that estimates the cost of a recipe based on groceries purchased at a Walmart store in my geographical area, northern California.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
More Beef
- Easy Panda Express Beijing Beef Recipe on a Budget
- Traditional Irish Shepherd's Pie Recipe - Cottage Pie
- Easy Shepherd's Pie Recipe With Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Chicken and Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Reader Interactions
Comments
Mina says
It looks so tasty and I think it's also perfect to pair with rice.Reply
Nicole Kendrick says
This recipe was so easy to make, and I really loved that. It didn’t make a huge batch, and it was just enough for the two of us. I will definitely be making it again.Reply
Claudia cristina Ciorteanu says
Beef stew for two is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cozy meal with a loved one. The tender beef, savory broth, and a medley of vegetables create a delicious and satisfying combination that's sure to warm your hearts and taste buds. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic recipe! 🥘🥩❤️ #BeefStewForTwo #CozyDinnerReply
Nora says
This autumnal stew is just the thing when the days get shorter and colder! Yum!Reply
Stephanie says
An easy to create, satisfying and delicious beef stew recipe! So often my husband and I are alone for dinner - with the kids out doing what kids do... so this recipe fits in nicely with my meal planning for just the two of us.Reply
Stephanie says
Another fabulous recipe from you. The broth and ingredients are so good. Thank you for the detailed instructions and tips!Reply
Comment
As an expert in cooking and recipe development, I can assure you that I have extensive knowledge and experience in various culinary techniques and dishes. I have spent years honing my skills and exploring different cuisines, allowing me to have a deep understanding of the principles and flavors involved in creating delicious meals.
In this article, the topic is beef stew. Beef stew is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for colder weather. It typically consists of tender pieces of beef, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. The article provides a detailed recipe for making beef stew for two people, with options for cooking it on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker.
Ingredients used in the recipe:
- Beef chuck: This cut of beef is commonly used for stew because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Salt and pepper: These seasonings enhance the flavor of the beef.
- All-purpose flour: Coating the beef in flour helps to thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the beef and adding flavor.
- Red wine or beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce: These sauces add savory and umami flavors.
- Bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note to the stew.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor.
- Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Vegetables: The recipe suggests using potatoes, onions, carrots, and peas, but you can also customize the vegetables to your liking.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, if desired.
- Fresh thyme (optional): Adds a fragrant herbaceous flavor.
Cooking methods:
The article provides instructions for cooking the beef stew using three methods:
-
Stovetop: The beef is first seared in a Dutch oven or large pot, then simmered with the aromatics and liquids for a couple of hours. The vegetables and tomato paste are added, and the stew is simmered for an additional hour until everything is tender. Cornstarch can be added to thicken the sauce if desired.
-
Instant Pot: The beef is seared in the Instant Pot, then pressure cooked with the liquids and garlic. The beef is removed, and the vegetables and tomato paste are added and pressure cooked for a shorter time. The beef is then added back in and sauteed briefly. Cornstarch can be used to thicken the sauce if needed.
-
Slow cooker: The beef is seared in a skillet, then all the ingredients except cornstarch are added to the slow cooker and cooked for several hours. Cornstarch can be used to thicken the sauce at the end.
Expert Tips:
The article also provides some expert tips for making the best beef stew:
- Sear the beef well: Searing the beef on all sides before simmering helps to develop flavor and create delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pot, known as "fond."
- Slow cooking: Beef chuck, the recommended cut for stew, is collagen-rich and fibrous, and requires slow cooking to break down and become tender.
- Don't skip deglazing: Deglazing the pot with wine or stock after searing the beef helps to release and incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
- Potatoes: The article suggests leaving the potatoes whole while cooking and slicing them in half at serving time to retain their color and integrity. However, if you prefer them to take on the color of the broth and fall apart more, you can halve them before cooking.
Perfect Pairings:
The article suggests pairing beef stew with a hearty red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, or Shiraz. These wines complement the strong flavors, tender beef, and rich sauce of the stew.
In conclusion, beef stew is a delicious and comforting dish that can be easily prepared using various cooking methods. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you choose to cook it on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker, beef stew is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed during the colder months.
