Slow-Cooked Rustic Beef Stew with Mushrooms & Rich Herb Gravy

Nothing beats a comforting bowl of slow-cooked beef stew on a chilly evening. This hearty recipe combines tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a savory herb-infused gravy that’s simmered low and slow until every bite is packed with flavor. Serve it alongside crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice for the ultimate comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1.2 kg beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into large cubes
• 250 g button mushrooms, cleaned
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, for added depth)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches until deeply caramelized on all sides. Transfer the beef to a plate.
2. Using the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5–6 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and, if using, the red wine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen all the flavorful browned bits.
4. Return the beef to the pot. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Cover and let the stew simmer gently over low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich, velvety gravy.
6. Stir in the button mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they become tender while retaining their texture.
7. Remove the bay leaves, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Yield: 6 servings
Approximate Calories: 540 kcal per serving