Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

An Incredible Essential Recipe for Fall

There is something deeply comforting about a pot of stew simmering gently on the stove as the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter. Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is one of those timeless dishes that feels inseparable from fall itself—a meal that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of calm with every spoonful. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with rich aromas, invites everyone to gather around the table, and leaves you feeling nourished in both body and spirit.

This Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is the definition of cozy fall comfort food. Tender chunks of beef are slowly simmered until melt-in-your-mouth soft, surrounded by hearty root vegetables and infused with fragrant herbs. The result is a deeply flavorful stew with a rich, savory broth that tastes like it’s been cooking all day—even though the method is simple and approachable for home cooks of any skill level.

Perfect for chilly evenings, relaxed Sunday dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead, this stew is as practical as it is satisfying. It uses humble, affordable ingredients, relies on classic cooking techniques, and delivers consistent, comforting results every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or simply craving a bowl of something warm and grounding, Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again throughout the fall and winter months.

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⏱ Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8

This stew is designed to cook low and slow, allowing the beef to become tender and the vegetables to release their natural sweetness into the broth. The hands-on time is minimal, making it ideal for weekends or cozy evenings at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

There are countless beef stew recipes out there, but this Autumn Harvest Beef Stew stands out for several reasons that make it a true fall staple.

First, the flavor is deep and balanced without being heavy. Browning the beef properly creates a rich foundation, while tomato paste adds subtle depth without overpowering the natural beefiness. Herbs like thyme and rosemary bring warmth and earthiness that feel perfectly aligned with the season.

Second, the texture is everything you want in a stew. The beef becomes fork-tender, the potatoes soften just enough to thicken the broth slightly, and the carrots and parsnips add gentle sweetness and body. Every bite feels hearty and satisfying without being overly dense.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand, and it adapts well to different cooking methods. Whether you’re making it on the stovetop, in a Dutch oven, or even adapting it for a slow cooker, this Autumn Harvest Beef Stew delivers consistent, comforting results.

Finally, this stew is incredibly forgiving. It doesn’t require precise timing or fancy techniques, making it ideal for busy home cooks. In fact, it tastes even better the next day, which makes it perfect for leftovers and meal prep.

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Ingredients + Tips

This Autumn Harvest Beef Stew uses classic, wholesome ingredients that work together to create deep flavor and a satisfying texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how to get the best results from each component.

Beef Chuck

Beef chuck is the star of this stew. This cut comes from the shoulder and contains connective tissue and fat that break down beautifully during slow cooking. When simmered gently, chuck becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Avoid lean cuts, as they tend to dry out and become tough.

Tip: Cut the beef into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.

Olive Oil

Used for browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, olive oil adds subtle richness and helps develop flavor through caramelization.

Tip: Heat the oil fully before adding the beef to get a good sear.

Onion and Garlic

These aromatics create the flavor base of the stew. The onion adds sweetness, while garlic provides depth and warmth.

Tip: Take your time sautéing the onion until soft and translucent—this builds flavor early on.

Tomato Paste

Tomato paste adds umami and complexity without making the stew taste “tomato-based.” Cooking it briefly caramelizes the sugars and deepens its flavor.

Tip: Let the tomato paste cook for a full minute before adding liquid.

Beef Broth

A good-quality beef broth is essential for a rich, savory stew. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the seasoning more precisely.

Tip: Homemade broth is excellent if you have it, but a quality store-bought version works well.

Root Vegetables

Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and celery give this Autumn Harvest Beef Stew its hearty, rustic character. They add sweetness, texture, and body to the broth.

Tip: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Herbs

Dried thyme and rosemary bring classic, earthy flavors that complement the beef beautifully. A bay leaf adds subtle depth during simmering.

Tip: Remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid bitterness.

Salt and Black Pepper

Seasoning is crucial for bringing all the flavors together.

Tip: Season gradually and adjust at the end for the best balance.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat the 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 pan. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Why this matters: Browning creates caramelized bits on the bottom of the pot, which add incredible depth to the final stew.

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2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

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3. Add Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to slightly caramelize and deepen in color.

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4. Deglaze the Pot

Pour in a small splash of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. This step ensures none of that flavor is lost.

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5. Return the Beef

Add the browned beef back into the pot along with any accumulated juices.

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6. Add Vegetables and Broth

Pour in the remaining beef broth, then stir in the carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and celery.

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7. Season the Stew

Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, the bay leaf, and season with salt and black pepper.

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8. Simmer Low and Slow

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

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9. Final Adjustments

Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed.

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10. Serve

Ladle the Autumn Harvest Beef Stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

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Tips for the Best Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

• Choose the Right Cut: Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking.

• Don’t Rush Browning: Proper searing adds depth and richness.

• Simmer Gently: A gentle simmer keeps the meat tender.

• Make It Ahead: The flavor improves overnight.

• Thicker Stew: Mash a few potato pieces into the broth near the end.

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Variations

This Autumn Harvest Beef Stew is easy to adapt:

• Add mushrooms for extra umami

• Stir in peas or green beans at the end

• Add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor

• Make it gluten-free (it already is)

• Adapt it for the slow cooker or oven

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding broth if needed

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Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls

• Simple green salad

• Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles

• Cornbread or biscuits

Print

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Fat: 12 g

• Protein: 35 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

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Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Autumn Harvest Beef Stew has remained a beloved fall classic for generations. It’s not flashy or complicated, yet it delivers something far more meaningful than novelty—comfort, warmth, and familiarity. This stew is a reminder that some of the best meals come from simple ingredients treated with care and patience.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it fits seamlessly into everyday life. It’s equally suited to a quiet family dinner as it is to a gathering of friends. It’s the kind of dish you can prepare on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy throughout the week, each serving tasting even better than the last. The flavors deepen, the broth thickens slightly, and the entire stew becomes more harmonious with time.

This Autumn Harvest Beef Stew also connects us to the rhythm of the seasons. Root vegetables, hearty beef, and fragrant herbs reflect the abundance of fall and the natural shift toward slower, more nourishing meals. Cooking it feels grounding, almost meditative—a chance to slow down and create something deeply satisfying with your hands.