Rating: 3.58
(96)

45-Minute Beef Stew

August 30, 2023

Stew is the kind of dish that’s synonymous with cozy comfort food, but traditionally, it can take hours to develop the rich flavors that make it so satisfying. Enter this 45-minute beef stew, a quicker, weeknight-friendly version that doesn’t skimp on flavor or warmth. It’s the perfect balance of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, all simmered together to create a comforting, soul-warming dish that’s ready in a fraction of the usual time.

The secret to this speedy stew lies in how you prep and cook the ingredients. Using a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot, you can cut the usual cooking time by more than half, allowing the beef to become meltingly tender while maintaining that depth of flavor that makes stew so special. A good sear on the beef before adding the broth enhances the richness of the final dish, while the vegetables, carrots, potatoes, and onions, add the perfect amount of texture and sweetness.

The broth itself is a simple mix of beef stock, garlic, herbs, and a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for depth. You don’t need hours to let the flavors develop; the pressure cooker works its magic in just 20 minutes, ensuring that every bite is as flavorful as it would be after a long, slow simmer.

This 45-minute beef stew isn’t just quick, it’s flexible, too. You can easily swap out vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or even add in a handful of peas or corn at the end to add another layer of texture. It’s a no-fuss, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve when you want to treat yourself (or your family) to something hearty and satisfying.

Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up all that rich, flavorful broth, and you’ve got a comforting, filling meal that feels like it took hours, without the wait.

45-Minute Beef Stew
45-Minute Beef Stew
3.58 from 96 votes
A hearty and flavorful beef stew that can be ready in just 45 minutes!
Servings 6 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 tsp thyme dried
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with flour until evenly coated.
  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides.
  • Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is tender.
  • Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  • Add the browned beef back into the pot, along with the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
  • Simmer for 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  • Serve the beef stew hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 40gFat: 12gFiber: 3g
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: beef stew, French cuisine
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 4 stars
    Didn’t have red wine, so I used white, and it was still good! But I think the red would be better.

  2. User avatar jonathon.huels65 says:

    3 stars
    I guess it was okay, but mine turned out a bit bland. Maybe I needed more seasoning?

  3. User avatar dorcas.ratke35 says:

    4 stars
    Very good recipe but I forgot to buy the red wine 🥴. Still turned out okay with just beef broth.

  4. 3 stars
    Beef stew?! This ain’t no stew, it’s like soup! More meat please

  5. User avatar ali.jerde67 says:

    5 stars
    I made this yesterday, and I swear, it was better than my mom’s. No joke!

  6. 2 stars
    My kids didn’t eat it. They just picked out the potatoes. Not their favorite.

  7. User avatar darrel.jacobi says:

    5 stars
    This beef stew is amazing! My family loved it. Definitely making again!

  8. User avatar gerardo.franecki64 says:

    2 stars
    Too oily for my taste. I think less oil next time.

  9. 5 stars
    This stew is absolutely delicious! My family loved it!

    1. User avatar april.ebert says:

      5 stars
      So glad to hear that! I made it last week and felt the same. It’s such a comforting dish!

    2. User avatar donovan.corkery61 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, the wine part feels weird for stew. Can’t you just use more broth? Seems like a waste.

  10. User avatar javier.corwin63 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know about the red wine part, seems unnecessary to me. Can I just use more broth?

  11. User avatar cedric.cremin47 says:

    5 stars
    This stew is so delicious! I added some celery, and it turned out great. My family loved it!

  12. User avatar Oolon Colluphid says:

    1 star
    For stew, I prefer my mom’s recipe. This one ain’t it. Sorry.

  13. User avatar rochell.borer says:

    1 star
    Who has time for all this? 45 mins?? Rn I’m busy. Gonna skip this one.

  14. User avatar melba.heller31 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! This is exactly what I needed on a cold night. Tastes like home.

  15. User avatar Emily Saunders says:

    5 stars
    This reminds me of my grandma’s stew! So comforting and warm. Love it!

  16. User avatar lamont.considine says:

    4 stars
    Really simple and quick! I was skeptikal at first about the wine, but wow! It added a nice depth of flavor.

  17. User avatar garland.kassulke says:

    5 stars
    This beef stew was amazing! So hearty and delicious, perfect for a cold night. Will definitely make again!

  18. User avatar xavier.ebert2003 says:

    4 stars
    Took me longer than 45 minutes, maybe I’m just slow? But it was worth the wait. The flavors were good.

    1. User avatar kary.satterfield says:

      5 stars
      Hey, don’t worry! Cooking times can vary based on so many things. It sounds like you did a great job if the flavors were good! 😋

    2. 2 stars
      45 minutes? Really? I don’t believe it’s possible. My last stew took forever, and it wasn’t even worth it.

  19. User avatar norine.kuphal2011 says:

    2 stars
    I tried this recipe but it was too salty for my taste. Maybe cut back on the salt? idk.

  20. User avatar maisha.white1975 says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have thyme so I used oregano instead. Still pretty good!

    1. User avatar tawnya.yundt84 says:

      5 stars
      Oregano works too! I think it adds a nice twist. Glad it turned out good for you!

  21. User avatar Sandy Reichel says:

    5 stars
    Best stew ever! Didn’t expect the wine to make that much difference. Totally recommend this recipe.

    1. User avatar anderson.murazik85 says:

      5 stars
      I agree! The wine really adds that extra flavor. I never thought about using it in stew before, but now I can’t ignore it! Yum!

  22. User avatar willian.nitzsche2025 says:

    3 stars
    Stew is stew, ya know? It was fine but nothing special. 🤷‍♂️

  23. User avatar Tanisha Hessel says:

    5 stars
    This stew was delicious! The red wine adds such a rich flavor. My family loved it!

  24. User avatar walker.trantow48 says:

    1 star
    Stew is stew, but I prefer chicken. Beef tastes funny. Lol.

  25. User avatar Slaughterfish says:

    5 stars
    This stew was a hit at my family dinner! The beef turned out so tender and flavorful. Highly recommend!

  26. User avatar Ra'zhinda says:

    3 stars
    Really easy recipe, but why not just buy a can of stew? 🤷‍♂️

    1. User avatar Old Lady from Bomb Shop says:

      4 stars
      I get what you’re saying! Canned stew is quick, but cooking it from scratch tastes a lot better. Plus, you know exactly what’s in it! 😋

    2. User avatar Super Saiyan Blue Goku says:

      5 stars
      But making it yourself can be fun! 😄 And it doesn’t take long. I think it’s worth a try!

  27. User avatar darcey.grant41 says:

    4 stars
    Nice and hearty! Just right for cold weather. Will add some peas next time.

  28. User avatar valentine.stokes8 says:

    4 stars
    Quick and simple! A great recipe for a busy weeknight. Thanks!

    1. 5 stars
      I tried this recipe last night and it was delish! My family loved it!

    2. User avatar Margarete Morar says:

      2 stars
      Sounds good but what’s the point of adding wine? Is it really necessary?

  29. User avatar terrance.barrows says:

    2 stars
    I wish I knew what red wine is for. Do I even need it?

  30. 5 stars
    This stew was absolutely delicious! My family loved it and it made the house smell amazing! Will definitely make again!

  31. User avatar lore.collier says:

    2 stars
    I don’t really like wine in my stew. Is it really necessary? What’s it taste like? 🤔

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get you! Wine can be a bit much for some. It adds a depth of flavor, but you can skip it if it’s not your thing. Just maybe add a bit more broth?

    2. User avatar alva.armstrong63 says:

      3 stars
      Nah, don’t need wine! I make my stew with just water and my family loves it. Doesn’t really change much, I think.

  32. User avatar johnathan.rau68 says:

    2 stars
    The beef stew was ok, but I think it needed more seasoning. Not as flavorful as I hoped.

    1. User avatar venus.romaguera2012 says:

      4 stars
      I agree! Maybe adding some herbs like rosemary or a bit of paprika could help? Seasoning really makes a difference.

  33. User avatar esteban.smith1983 says:

    4 stars
    I used chicken instead of beef and it turned out fine. Just a tip for ya.

    1. User avatar trevor.gorczany5 says:

      4 stars
      Good idea! Chicken is a healthier option. I’ll try it next time!

    2. 2 stars
      But it’s called beef stew for a reason! Won’t it taste weird with chicken?

  34. User avatar whitney.effertz87 says:

    4 stars
    45 minutes? Yeah, right! Took me over an hour but it was worth it in the end.

    1. User avatar tameika.berge62 says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, it took me over an hour too! But I guess everyone cooks at their own pace. Glad it turned out tasty!

  35. 5 stars
    Yum! 😋

  36. 4 stars
    I don’t like cooking that much, but this was easy and delicious. Must try again!

  37. User avatar lindsey.cummerata66 says:

    1 star
    Does anyone else think stew is just glorified soup? 🤔

  38. User avatar orlando.blick0 says:

    3 stars
    I tried this recipe but it turned out too salty. I think I used too much beef broth? Going to try again with less broth next time.

    1. User avatar Arwen Evenstar says:

      3 stars
      Just throw in a bit of sugar or some vinegar next time. It helps balance out saltiness too! But yeah, def try less broth.

    2. User avatar reanna.green says:

      4 stars
      I think that’s a good idea! The broth can be really salty sometimes, especially if you use a brand that has added salt. Less broth should make it better!

  39. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    2 stars
    This stews ok but a bit bland for my taste. I prefer more spices. Also, I think I forgot the bay leaf! Oops!

  40. User avatar Ms. Barton Baumbach says:

    4 stars
    I made this stew, but I used chicken instead of beef. It was still pretty good!

  41. User avatar Earl Friesen says:

    3 stars
    I don’t like using wine in cooking. Can I just skip that part?

  42. 5 stars
    Excellent! So easy to make, can’t believe it took only 45 mins! Will make again.

    1. 3 stars
      I don’t know, 45 mins seems too quick for stew. Is it really that good?

    2. User avatar crocodile says:

      5 stars
      Right? I was shocked too! This recipe is a total lifesaver for busy nights. 😊

  43. User avatar nichol.shanahan2006 says:

    3 stars
    Meh. Not the best recipe I’ve tried, and I’ve made a lot of stews. More spices needed!

  44. 2 stars
    Well, I don’t know about this recipe. Didn’t look like the picture. Disappointed!

    1. 4 stars
      I’m sorry to hear that! Sometimes the stew doesn’t come out exactly like the picture, but it can still taste great! Have you checked your cooking time?

    2. User avatar laverne.windler95 says:

      3 stars
      Honestly, it looked real good to me. Maybe you just need to try it again? Practice makes perfect, right?

  45. 5 stars
    This stew is an absolute delight! My family couldn’t stop eating, thanks for the recipe!

  46. 5 stars
    Who knew making stew was so simple! Very impressed! Awesome!

  47. User avatar Jessica Atreides says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Can’t believe I made it in just 45 mins. Going to make it again for sure!

  48. User avatar bo.herzog1990 says:

    2 stars
    Too much wine for my taste! I couldn’t really taste anything else.

  49. User avatar viva.block65 says:

    2 stars
    My stew was kinda bland. Next time I’ll add more seasoning.

  50. User avatar willie.heller1974 says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have thyme, so I put oregano instead. It still tasted nice. 🤷‍♀️

    1. User avatar Ma'randru-jo says:

      4 stars
      Oregano isn’t the same as thyme, but if it tasted good to you, that’s what matters! 👍

  51. User avatar Draugr Deathlord says:

    3 stars
    It’s fine, but why do you need the wine? Seems unnecessary. I substituted it with more broth, no big deal.

    1. User avatar thaddeus.kuvalis25 says:

      4 stars
      I think the wine adds a nice depth of flavor! But if you’re not into it, more broth works too. Just curious, did you notice a difference in taste?

  52. User avatar barry.heller says:

    2 stars
    Took me longer than 45 minutes, but worth the wait. Next time, I’ll try to chop faster. Where’s the bay leaf in the ingredients??

    1. User avatar candyce.hegmann says:

      5 stars
      I totally get the longer prep time! Chopping can be a real pain, but that stew sounds amazing. The bay leaf is there; just make sure you take it out before serving. Yum! 🍲

  53. 5 stars
    Yum! My family loved it. I added a bit more garlic and used a different type of potato. So good!

    1. 2 stars
      I don’t see how extra garlic would make a stew taste better. Also, isn’t red wine supposed to be for fancy dinners? Whatever.

    2. User avatar nichole.schmeler90 says:

      5 stars
      Glad to hear it! Garlic makes everything better. What type of potato did you use? I’m curious!

  54. User avatar Super Saiyan 2 Goku says:

    5 stars
    Yum! So warm and comforting! Perfect for a cold day. Will definitely make again!

  55. User avatar Maire Lehner says:

    3 stars
    I mean, it was okay but kinda bland. I think it needs more spices.

  56. User avatar shanel.mcdermott says:

    5 stars
    Yum! My kids loved helping chop the veggies! Will make again for sure! 😊

    1. User avatar lili.schroeder86 says:

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing! Cooking with kids is the best! 🥰 What other meals do you make together?

  57. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    1 star
    This was a complete disaster! The beef didn’t cook properly and it was tough. Not making this again.

    1. User avatar Antonia Gaylord says:

      3 stars
      Did you follow the instructions? Sometimes people rush and the meat doesn’t come out right. Just saying!

    2. 4 stars
      I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe the beef wasn’t cooked long enough? Stews usually need extra time for tenderizing.

  58. User avatar Mrs. Marie says:

    3 stars
    I think it needs more vegetables! Maybe some peas would be good? Just a thought.

  59. 5 stars
    Savory goodness! I cooked it longer than 30 mins, and it was super tender. Love it

  60. User avatar earnest.schuppe says:

    4 stars
    Quick and easy! But can I add mushrooms? I love shrooms!

    1. User avatar tory.balistreri says:

      2 stars
      I dunno about mushrooms in beef stew… it ain’t right. Stick to the recipe, it’s perfect as is!

    2. 5 stars
      Absolutely! Mushrooms would add a nice texture and flavor to the stew. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other veggies!

  61. User avatar wm.hermiston2020 says:

    3 stars
    Easy recipe, but I messed up the meat. I couldn’t find good stew meat at the store so I used chicken. Still tasted good!

  62. User avatar ryan.bauch51 says:

    1 star
    I don’t like beef. Can I use tofu instead? Asking for a friend.

  63. User avatar rex.weimann94 says:

    3 stars
    I found it kinda bland. Maybe more spices next time? 😕

  64. User avatar darius.gerlach64 says:

    2 stars
    I’m not a fan of red wine in stew. tried it once, never again! What’s wrong with good ol’ water?

3.58 from 96 votes
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