Seasonal Beef Stew

This hearty stew is perfect for cozy evenings, combining tender beef with fresh seasonal vegetables for a comforting meal. It’s easy to make and full of rich, satisfying flavors that everyone will love.

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TIME2 hr

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

4 tablespoons bacon drippings ¼ cup flour Salt and pepper to taste 2 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes 5 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, thinly sliced 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced 1 pound celery, sliced ¼ cup rice vinegar 2 tablespoons brown sugar 4 cups beef broth 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans or bottles ale 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced 1 turnip, peeled and chopped 1 pound baby red potatoes, washed ¾ cup parsley, chopped 4 whole bay leaves

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating the bacon grease in a large pot over medium heat. While that’s warming up, mix the flour with some salt and pepper, then toss the beef cubes in this mixture to coat them evenly. Brown the meat in the bacon grease until it develops a nice crust, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and set it aside.

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Step 2

Next, add a splash of olive oil to the same pot and gently cook the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery over low heat until they soften. Stir in the vinegar and sugar, then pour in the broth. Bring everything to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.

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Step 3

Once the broth is bubbling, return the beef to the pot and pour in the beer. Add the parsnips, turnips, red potatoes, parsley, and bay leaves. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 90 minutes, stirring every now and then to keep everything from sticking.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Brown the beef well before adding liquid to develop deeper flavor.
- Use a mix of root vegetables for varied texture and sweetness.
- Let the stew simmer gently to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Why you’ll love it

This hearty stew is perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and comforting. The tender beef and seasonal vegetables create a rich, flavorful dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple to make but tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Serving ideas

Serve this stew with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed greens or a fresh salad adds a nice balance to the meal. It’s also great topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added brightness.

Storage & leftovers

Allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.