Skillet Beef Stew: Easy Comfort Food (One-Pan Recipe!)

Skillet beef stew: a hearty, comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. This isn’t your grandma’s slow cooker stew (though I love that, too!). This skillet beef stew recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, perfect for a weeknight meal. My grandmother, the inspiration behind gotastyrecipes.com, always said a good stew could cure anything, and I wholeheartedly agree!

This version is especially special because it’s all done in one skillet, which means less cleanup and maximum flavor development. Think tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, all achieved in a single pan. Let's get started!

Why You Will Love This skillet beef stew Recipe

There’s so much to love about this skillet beef stew recipe! First, the comfort factor is off the charts. It’s the kind of food that hugs you from the inside out. I remember coming home from school on cold days and being greeted by the aroma of my grandmother’s stew simmering on the stove, an unforgettable experience.

Second, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. Unlike traditional stews that simmer for hours, this skillet version comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, using a skillet allows for better browning and searing of the beef, which adds depth of flavor. You'll also appreciate that it's a one pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!

Third, the flavor is simply amazing. The browned beef, savory vegetables, and rich gravy create a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. And finally, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your liking. Feel free to add different vegetables, herbs, or spices to make it your own. If you want something that simmers longer, try this Baked Beef Stew recipe.

Ingredients Needed for This skillet beef stew Recipe

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious skillet beef stew:

For the Beef:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas

For the Gravy:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make This skillet beef stew Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful skillet beef stew:

1. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This is key for developing a rich, flavorful crust. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This adds depth of flavor to the gravy.

6. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps to thicken the gravy.

7. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds tons of flavor! Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.

8. Return the browned beef to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender.

9. Add the cubed potatoes and continue to cook for another 15 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

10. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for a few minutes until heated through. If you are avoiding beef, then consider this One Pot Turkey Stew recipe that's just as delicious!

11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve This skillet beef stew Recipe

Skillet beef stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Crusty bread for soaking up the gravy
• Mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal
• A simple side salad for a touch of freshness

For a more elegant presentation, you can serve the stew in individual bowls and garnish with a sprig of parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

How to Store This skillet beef stew Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover skillet beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the cooled stew in freezer safe containers for up to 2 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra beef broth if the stew has thickened too much.

Tips to Make This skillet beef stew Recipe

• Beef Selection: Use a good quality beef stew meat for the best flavor and texture. Chuck roast, cut into cubes, works well.

• Browning is Key: Don’t skip browning the beef! This step is essential for developing a rich, savory flavor.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Brown the beef in batches to ensure proper searing. Overcrowding the pan will steam the beef instead of browning it.

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips.

• Flavor Boost: A bay leaf added during simmering can boost the flavor of your stew. Remember to remove it before serving.

Helpful Notes for This skillet beef stew Recipe

• Beef Broth: Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor. You can also use homemade beef stock if you have it.

• Flour Alternative: If you’re gluten free, you can use cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the stew. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.

• If you love the idea of beef in these types of recipes, make sure you checkout this article for Stir Fry Beef Stew.

Variation of This skillet beef stew Recipe

• Spicy Skillet Beef Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the stew for a spicy kick.

• Skillet Beef and Beer Stew: Substitute 1 cup of beef broth with 1 cup of dark beer for a richer, more complex flavor.

• Skillet Beef and Mushroom Stew: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions, carrots, and celery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skillet Beef Stew: Easy Comfort Food (One-Pan Recipe!)

A comforting and flavorful skillet beef stew, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich gravy, all made in one pan!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 15g

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
7. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
8. Return the browned beef to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
9. Add the cubed potatoes and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
10. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• For best results, use good quality beef stew meat and don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef. This ensures a rich, flavorful crust! You can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips according to your preference.