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. 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 of 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.
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MARY'S TWO CENTS
This Beef Stew Recipe for Two is rated cheap on my cost-per-serving rating scale. You can save money by buying a whole chuck roast and cutting your stew meat then freezing the rest.
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
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 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 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
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.
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?
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 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 fall apart a bit, by all means, halve them before cooking.
PAIRINGS?
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.
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, sliced 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.
- 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.
Shawn says
I’m currently 23 weeks pregnant, and cannot stomach leftovers. I’ve been on the hunt for single serving dinners for my husband and I, and this one is PERFECT! I used my instant pot, and the stew turned out perfect. We had enough for dinner plus one small bowl for lunch tomorrow. Thank you for this recipe!!
Mary says
I am so glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know! Best wishes for your new family member!
Mina says
It looks so tasty and I think it's also perfect to pair with rice.
Norene says
Garlic is mentioned twice in the recipe directions...which one do I use?
Mary says
Oops Darlene! Thanks for letting me know. It goes in at the beginning. Instructions updated!
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.
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 #CozyDinner
Nora says
This autumnal stew is just the thing when the days get shorter and colder! Yum!
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.
Stephanie says
Another fabulous recipe from you. The broth and ingredients are so good. Thank you for the detailed instructions and tips!