Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, slow-cooked stew, and this Oven-Baked Hearty Beef and Mushroom Stew is a true classic. Packed with tender beef chunks, earthy mushrooms, root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy family dinner. Baking it in the oven allows the flavors to deepen, giving you a dish that tastes like it has been simmering for hours on end.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 large carrots, sliced into chunks
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 12 oz (350 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper and brown in batches. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste, then sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
6. Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Stir well.
7. Cover and bake in the oven for 2 ½ to 3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
8. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Description

This Oven-Baked Hearty Beef and Mushroom Stew is the definition of rustic comfort food. The oven’s slow, even heat allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the rich broth. Each spoonful brings together tender vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a deeply flavorful sauce — a meal that warms both the body and soul.

Enjoy

Serve this hearty stew straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a side of warm bread. Cozy, comforting, and full of flavor — perfect for family dinners or a chilly evening treat.