Chilis & Stews

Midwestern Beef Stew

Name: Midwestern Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup red wine; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

By Xenia Foxworth · June 19, 2026 · Chilis & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

As the temperatures drop, I find myself craving warm, comforting dishes that simmer away on the stovetop or in the oven, filling the house with inviting aromas. One of my favorite cold-weather recipes is this Midwestern Beef Stew, a hearty, comforting dish that's easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

I remember my grandmother making a similar stew when I was a child, and the smell of it cooking always brings back fond memories. This recipe is a bit of a hybrid, combining the best of traditional Midwestern flavors with some modern twists and shortcuts to make it easier to prepare.

The key to this stew is using high-quality ingredients, including ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth. I like to use a combination of beef broth and red wine to give the stew a deep, rich flavor. And don't be afraid to get creative with the vegetables - I like to add in some diced carrots, potatoes, and onions for added flavor and texture.

This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight, as it can be made in under an hour and feeds a crowd. It's also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand, making it a very budget-friendly option. So why not give it a try and see why it's become a staple in my household?

Whether you're a native Midwesterner or just looking for a comforting, warming dish to enjoy on a chilly evening, this stew is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, grab a spoon, and dig in - I promise you won't be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation time
It's a budget-friendly option that's perfect for a weeknight dinner
The stew is hearty and filling, making it a great option for a cold winter's night
It's a versatile recipe that can be made with a variety of vegetables and seasonings
The stew is perfect for a crowd, making it a great option for parties and gatherings
It's a comforting, warming dish that's sure to become a new favorite

Why This Recipe Works

So what makes this Midwestern Beef Stew recipe so special? For one, it's the combination of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly satisfying dish. The ground beef is browned to perfection, creating a rich, caramelized crust that adds depth and complexity to the stew.

The vegetables are cooked until they're tender, but still crisp, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish. And the broth - oh, the broth! It's a perfect balance of beefy flavor, rich from the red wine, and slightly thickened from the flour, making it the perfect vehicle for all the other ingredients.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the way it's constructed. By browning the beef and cooking the vegetables in stages, we're able to build a rich, layered flavor profile that's greater than the sum of its parts. And by using a combination of beef broth and red wine, we're able to create a deep, satisfying flavor that's perfect for a cold winter's night.

Finally, it's the resting time that really makes this stew come together. By letting it simmer for at least 30 minutes, we're allowing all the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and fall-apart. It's the perfect way to create a comforting, warming dish that's sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making this Midwestern Beef Stew, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a combination of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth to create a truly satisfying dish. Here are the ingredients you'll need to get started:

Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, including fresh vegetables and a good-quality broth. And don't be afraid to get creative with the seasonings - a pinch of salt, a few grinds of pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme can make all the difference in the flavor of the stew.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a high-quality ground beef with a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help to create a rich, flavorful broth and tender, juicy meat.
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a good-quality olive oil with a mild flavor to prevent overpowering the other ingredients in the stew.
1 onion, dicedChoose a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or yellow onion, for the best flavor. Be sure to dice the onion finely to help it cook evenly and prevent it from becoming too caramelized.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. Be sure to mince the garlic finely to help it distribute evenly throughout the stew.
2 carrots, peeled and dicedChoose fresh, crunchy carrots for the best flavor and texture. Be sure to peel and dice the carrots finely to help them cook evenly.
2 potatoes, peeled and dicedChoose high-quality potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, for the best flavor and texture. Be sure to peel and dice the potatoes finely to help them cook evenly.
1 cup beef brothUse a good-quality beef broth with a rich, beefy flavor. You can use low-sodium broth to help control the salt content of the stew.
1/2 cup red wineChoose a good-quality red wine with a rich, fruity flavor. Be sure to use a wine that you would drink, as the flavor will concentrate as the stew cooks.
1 teaspoon dried thymeUse fresh or dried thyme, depending on your preference. Be sure to use a high-quality thyme with a robust, slightly minty flavor.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse a good-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, to help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Be sure to use a moderate amount, as too much pepper can overpower the other ingredients.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lidSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Midwestern Beef Stew

1
Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
4
Add the diced carrots and potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
5
Add the beef broth, red wine, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6
Use the instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stew. The temperature should be at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.
7
Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and fall-apart.
8
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired.
9
To freeze the stew, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
10
To reheat the stew, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the pot or in the microwave until it is hot and steaming.
11
To make the stew ahead of time, prepare the ingredients and cook the stew up to the point where it is simmering. Let it cool, then refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve. Reheat the stew and serve hot.

Expert Tips

Use a good-quality ground beef with a balance of fat and lean meat for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the stew, as it can become tough and dry. Use the instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure food safety.
Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and fall-apart.
Use a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, to add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the stew.
Experiment with different seasonings, such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves, to find the combination that you like best.
Serve the stew with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the flavorful broth.
Consider making a double batch of the stew and freezing it for later use. It's a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the ground beef properly, which can result in a stew that is tough and dry.
Overcooking the stew, which can cause the meat to become tough and the vegetables to become mushy.
Not using enough liquid, which can result in a stew that is too thick and sticky.
Not seasoning the stew enough, which can result in a dish that is bland and unappetizing.
Not letting the stew rest before serving, which can cause the flavors to not meld together properly.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stew, which can result in food safety issues.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the stew for added flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of meat, such as ground pork or ground turkey, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Add some beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, to the stew for added protein and fiber.
Use different types of broth, such as chicken broth or vegetable broth, for a lighter flavor.
Add some diced tomatoes or tomato paste to the stew for a burst of acidity and flavor.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as cumin or chili powder, to give the stew a unique flavor.

What to Serve With Midwestern Beef Stew

Serve the Midwestern Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired. It's a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter's night.

Consider serving the stew with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the flavorful broth. It's also delicious served with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Serve the stew with a side of crusty breadServe the stew over mashed potatoes or egg noodlesAdd some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the stew for added flavor and nutrientsUse different types of broth, such as chicken broth or vegetable broth, for a lighter flavorExperiment with different spices and seasonings, such as cumin or chili powder, to give the stew a unique flavorServe the stew with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Midwestern Beef Stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze the stew, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, then store it in the freezer.

To reheat the stew, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the pot or in the microwave until it is hot and steaming. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the stew to ensure that it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

It's also possible to make the stew ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve. Simply prepare the ingredients and cook the stew up to the point where it is simmering, then let it cool and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve. Reheat the stew and serve hot.

When reheating the stew, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent scorching and to ensure that it heats evenly. You can also add some extra liquid, such as broth or water, if the stew becomes too thick during reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of ground beef you like, but a combination of 80/20 or 70/30 lean to fat ratio works well. This will give you a rich, flavorful broth and tender, juicy meat.

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of meat, such as ground pork or ground turkey, for a unique twist on the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

How long can I store the stew in the refrigerator?

The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, the stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, then store it in the freezer.

How do I reheat the stew?

What are some variations I can make to the recipe?

You can add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the stew for added flavor and nutrients. You can also use different types of broth, such as chicken broth or vegetable broth, for a lighter flavor. Experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as cumin or chili powder, to give the stew a unique flavor.

Can I make the stew ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the stew ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve. Simply prepare the ingredients and cook the stew up to the point where it is simmering, then let it cool and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to serve. Reheat the stew and serve hot.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making the stew?

Some common mistakes to avoid include not browning the ground beef properly, overcooking the stew, not using enough liquid, not seasoning the stew enough, and not letting the stew rest before serving. Be sure to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stew to ensure food safety.

The Full Recipe

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