If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food to warm your soul on a chilly evening, look no further than this One-Pot Autumn Beef Stew Recipe. It’s a hearty, rich, and deeply flavorful stew that brings together tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and velvety potatoes in a beautifully seasoned broth. What makes this stew truly special is its simplicity and the convenience of cooking everything in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor infusion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish promises to be your go-to autumn favorite.

One-Pot Autumn Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One-Pot Autumn Beef Stew Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its layered taste and inviting texture. From the succulent beef chuck to the fragrant herbs, each element is simple but essential, contributing earthy, savory, and subtly sweet notes to this classic stew.

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes: Choose well-marbled beef for tender, juicy bites that melt in your mouth after slow cooking.
4 cups beef broth: This forms the flavorful base that infuses the stew with rich, meaty depth.
3 medium carrots, sliced: Adds sweetness and a splash of vibrant orange color.
2 medium potatoes, diced: Creates heartiness and helps thicken the broth naturally.
1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a savory backbone and enhances the stew’s aroma.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Brings earthiness and umami richness to the stew.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Delivers a slight tang and deepens the color of the broth.
1 tsp dried thyme: Offers a fragrant, herbal note that pairs perfectly with beef.
1 tsp dried rosemary: Adds piney, aromatic undertones to enhance the savory flavors.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the ingredients.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables, giving a subtle richness.

How to Make One-Pot Autumn Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add your beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding and brown them evenly on all sides. This step is crucial as it locks in flavor and creates a beautiful caramelized crust that deepens the stew’s taste.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once the beef is browned and set aside, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir and cook these until they become fragrant and softened, releasing their sweetness. This builds the aromatic base of your stew and invites a comforting smell into your kitchen.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Next, introduce the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and mushrooms. These vegetables add texture, color, and earthiness to the stew, perfectly complementing the tender beef. Stir everything together allowing the ingredients to meld before introducing the tomato paste and herbs.

Step 4: Incorporate Seasonings and Broth

Mix in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Then pour in the beef broth, which will simmer everything together and transform these ingredients into an irresistibly savory stew.

Step 5: Simmer and Tenderize

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables have softened just right. This slow cooking process lets the flavors develop deeply, creating that signature richness of the One-Pot Autumn Beef Stew Recipe.

Step 6: Final Adjustments and Serve

Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Give the stew a gentle stir to combine all those luscious juices, and then you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of cozy autumn goodness.

How to Serve One-Pot Autumn Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thyme sprigs on top brightens the stew’s appearance and adds a lovely contrast to the deep, rich flavors. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or a grating of fresh horseradish can bring an unexpected zing that complements the meatiness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious broth. If you want a lighter accompaniment, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta also make excellent comforting sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, serve the stew in individual mini cast iron pots or rustic bread bowls to impress guests and keep the stew piping hot. Alternatively, layering the stew over buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice transforms it into an elegant plate that feels both special and nostalgic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Autumn Beef Stew Recipe keeps surprisingly well. Transfer the cooled stew into airtight containers and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making each subsequent meal even better.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully, which is great for busy days. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your stew gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to ensure it warms evenly without drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave using short bursts, stirring in between. A splash of broth or water may help to loosen up the stew if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, other cuts like brisket or short ribs can work well too, as long as they have enough marbling to stay juicy during the long simmer.

Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method also yields wonderfully tender meat with rich flavors.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Definitely! Root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or rutabagas are excellent additions, especially in fall. Just be mindful of cooking times so they don’t become mushy.

How thick should the stew be?

The stew should be rich and slightly thickened but still have enough broth to coat the meat and vegetables nicely. If it seems too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce it. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or water.

What can I do if the beef isn’t tender after cooking?

If the beef feels tough after the cooking time, simply continue simmering the stew gently and check every 15 minutes. Tough cuts benefit from slow, low cooking until they become fork-tender and succulent.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Autumn Beef Stew Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, capturing all the cozy flavors of fall with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day and is sure to bring everyone to the table with a smile. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own seasonal classic!