Warm up with our easy beef stew recipe, a classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly nights, Sunday dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd. This hearty beef casserole features melt-in-your-mouth beef cubes, slow-baked with tender potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich, flavorful broth.
Seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and beef bouillon, the savory stew base infuses every bite with deep, comforting flavor. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or meal prepping for the week, this oven-baked beef and vegetable stew is a must-try.
With simple ingredients and foolproof instructions, this homemade beef stew delivers rustic flavor and cozy vibes in every spoonful. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for the ultimate satisfying meal.
⦁ 5 potatoes, thinly sliced
⦁ 4 teaspoons beef bouillon
⦁ 4 small onions, sliced
⦁ 2 lbs beef, cut into bite-sized cubes
⦁ 2 carrots, sliced
⦁ 1 ½ cups hot water
⦁ 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
⦁ 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
⦁ ¼ cup flour
⦁ ¼ teaspoon celery seed
⦁ ⅛ teaspoon pepper
1. Dredge the Beef: In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Coat the beef cubes in this mixture.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In a large casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid, arrange alternating layers of the seasoned beef, sliced onions, potatoes, and carrots.
3. Prepare the Liquid: Dissolve the beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce in the hot water. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the casserole dish.
4. Bake: Cover the casserole dish and bake at 325°F for 3 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the stew doesn’t dry out; if necessary, add a little very hot water.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Stew Beef – Use well-marbled chuck or round cut for tenderness after slow baking
✔ Potatoes – Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold hold their shape best
✔ Carrots – Thick-cut for sweetness and texture
✔ Celery – Adds balance and a slight bitterness to round out flavors
✔ Onion – Yellow or sweet onions, cut into wedges for slow caramelization
✔ Garlic – Optional but recommended for subtle depth
✔ Canned Tomatoes or Tomato Juice – Amish-style often includes a tomato base
✔ Beef Broth – Homemade if possible; keeps it hearty without overpowering
✔ Beef Bouillon – Adds an extra layer of savory richness
✔ Worcestershire Sauce – Just a splash for umami depth and complexity
✔ Bay Leaves & Thyme – Classic, simple seasoning in Amish kitchens
✔ Salt & Pepper – Season each layer, not just the top
✔ Flour – Light dusting over beef for slight thickening during baking
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Brown the Beef – Lightly sear to lock in flavor before baking
✔ Layer Thoughtfully – Alternate beef and vegetables in the baking dish for even flavor
✔ Season in Layers – Salt and pepper as you go, not just at the end
✔ Add Broth, Bouillon & Worcestershire – Mix into tomatoes and pour over the stew
✔ Cover Tightly – Use a Dutch oven or foil to seal in moisture
✔ Bake Low & Slow – 160–170°C (325°F) for 2.5–3 hours until everything is fork-tender
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Don’t Rush – Slow baking is key to Amish-style tenderness and depth
✔ Flour Before Searing – Light flouring helps create a gentle stew-like thickness
✔ Tomato for Tang – Amish recipes often balance richness with a hint of acidity
✔ No Need to Stir – Keep the lid on and let the oven do the work
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Umami Depth – Worcestershire and bouillon create a rich, savory backdrop
✔ Caramelized Onion & Root Veg – Slow heat brings out natural sweetness
✔ Add Fresh Herbs at End – A handful of chopped parsley adds a fresh finish
✔ Serve with Bread – Cornbread, rolls, or a slice of Amish white bread makes it complete
📦 Storage
✔ Refrigerate – Keeps well for 3–4 days; flavor improves with time
✔ Freeze – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating
✔ Reheat Gently – Use a covered dish in the oven or a saucepan over low heat
🍽 Serving
✔ One-Dish Meal – No sides needed, just a fork and maybe a napkin
✔ Pair With – Apple butter biscuits, a side salad, or pickled beets for Amish flair
✔ Rustic Presentation – Serve straight from the baking dish at the table
✔ Crowd-Friendly – Easily doubled for gatherings or potlucks