Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

A cozy, hearty fall favorite packed with tender beef and seasonal vegetables.

---

Simple Introduction

Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is the definition of fall comfort food. As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, this deeply satisfying stew brings warmth, nourishment, and nostalgia straight to your table. Slowly simmered beef chuck becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips absorb every bit of the rich, savory broth. The result is a rustic, soul-warming dish that feels like home in a bowl.

What makes this stew truly special is its simplicity. There are no complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just honest, wholesome components cooked low and slow to develop incredible flavor. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and brings everyone together, whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, a relaxed weekend meal, or prepping nourishing food for the week ahead.

Even better, Autumn Harvest Beef Stew improves with time. Like many slow-cooked dishes, the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. Serve it with crusty bread, warm rolls, or over creamy mashed potatoes, and you have a fall classic that never disappoints.

---

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

• Perfect for fall and winter – Hearty, warming, and deeply comforting

• Simple, wholesome ingredients – No shortcuts, just real food

• Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day

• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable cuts of beef and vegetables

• Customizable – Easy to adapt with seasonal produce or spices

• One-pot meal – Less cleanup, more enjoyment

This stew isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. It’s the sound of a pot gently simmering on the stove, the smell of herbs filling the kitchen, and the satisfaction of serving a meal that truly nourishes.

---

Ingredients + Tips

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  Beef chuck is ideal for stews because it has enough fat and connective tissue to become tender during slow cooking.

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
  Used for browning the beef and building flavor at the base of the stew.

• 1 large onion, diced
  Adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it cooks down.

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Enhances the savory flavor profile.

• 4 cups beef broth
  Use a good-quality broth for the richest flavor. Low-sodium is best so you can control the salt.

• 2 cups carrots, sliced
  Bring natural sweetness and color.

• 2 cups potatoes, diced
  Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work beautifully here.

• 1 cup parsnips, diced
  Slightly sweet and earthy, parsnips are a fall classic.

• 1 cup celery, diced
  Adds subtle bitterness and balance.

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  Deepens the flavor and adds richness to the broth.

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  A classic herb for beef stews.

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  Adds warmth and aroma—use sparingly, as it’s strong.

• 1 bay leaf
  Provides subtle complexity during simmering.

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  Adds brightness and freshness at the end.

---

Ingredient Tips for Best Results

• Uniform cuts matter: Cut beef and vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.

• Dry the beef: Pat beef cubes dry before browning to achieve a deep, golden crust.

• Fresh herbs option: If using fresh thyme or rosemary, double the amount.

• Season in layers: Lightly season at each step rather than all at once.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides until a deep golden crust forms.

Why this matters: Browning creates flavor through caramelization, which forms the foundation of a rich stew.

Remove the beef and set aside.

---

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

---

3. Add Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute. This step removes any raw tomato flavor and deepens the overall richness of the stew.

---

4. Deglaze the Pot

Pour in a small splash of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful browned bits. This step ensures nothing goes to waste.

---

5. Return the Beef

Add the browned beef back to the pot along with the remaining beef broth. Stir gently to combine.

---

6. Add Vegetables

Add carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and celery. Stir to distribute evenly throughout the broth.

---

7. Season the Stew

Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.

---

8. Simmer Low and Slow

Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

---

9. Adjust and Finish

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.

---

10. Garnish & Serve

Ladle the Autumn Harvest Beef Stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.

---

Tips for the Best Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

• Choose the right cut: Beef chuck is essential for tenderness.

• Don’t rush browning: This step builds the stew’s backbone of flavor.

• Low and slow cooking: Gentle heat allows collagen in the beef to break down.

• Make it ahead: Flavors intensify overnight.

• Thicker stew option: Mash a few potatoes into the broth near the end.

• Too thick? Add a splash of broth or water to loosen.

---

Variations & Add-Ins

Vegetable Variations

• Add sweet potatoes for extra sweetness

• Use turnips or rutabaga instead of parsnips

• Stir in mushrooms for earthy depth

Flavor Boosters

• Add a splash of red wine when deglazing

• Stir in Worcestershire sauce for umami

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth

Dietary Adjustments

• Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free as written

• Low-carb: Reduce potatoes and increase celery and turnips

---

Serving Suggestions

Autumn Harvest Beef Stew pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty artisan bread

• Homemade dinner rolls

• Buttered egg noodles

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts

For a complete fall meal, serve with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.

---

Storage & Reheating

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

• Add a splash of broth if needed.

---

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

• Servings: 6–8

Print

Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Fat: 12 g

• Protein: 35 g

• Carbohydrates: 25 g

• Fiber: 5 g

---

Final Thoughts

Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is more than just a recipe—it’s a seasonal ritual. It represents everything we love about fall cooking: patience, warmth, and the transformation of simple ingredients into something deeply comforting. From the moment the beef hits the hot pot to the final sprinkle of parsley on top, this dish rewards you with rich flavors, tender textures, and pure satisfaction.

This stew is ideal for slowing down and savoring the moment. It’s the kind of meal that invites conversation, encourages second helpings, and becomes part of your family’s seasonal traditions. Whether you’re serving it on a quiet weeknight, a chilly Sunday afternoon, or preparing it ahead for busy days, Autumn Harvest Beef Stew always delivers.