Easy, hearty beef stew with no need to brown the beef first.

The top choice for me is always boneless chuck roast and look for marbling if you might find it.

This hardworking part of the cows shoulder is delightfully inexpensive, but its tough, not unlike human shoulders.

Bowl of Easy Beef Stew Toped with Some Parsley and in the Background, a Kitchen Towel with a Spoon on Top and a Small Bowl of Parsley

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

So consider this long braise the equivalent of a good massage to make the beef more tender.

And yes, you’ve got the option to absolutely buy pre-cut pieces of beef.

Any bigger and they wont get tender in the cooking time.

Pot of Easy Beef Stew with a Wooden Spatula, a Small Bowl of Parsley, a Sprig of Thyme, and a Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Its something weve chosen to believe over time, but what does it really mean?

Its not the prettiest (at first!

You should use it here!

Pot of Easy Beef Stew with Some Lifted on a Wooden Spoon

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

If youre like the rest of us, youre hitting up the canned/boxed broth aisle of the grocery store.

Keep in mind that theres a big difference between brands in terms of flavor and salinity.

If you have a favorite, feel free to use it.

Bowl of Beef Chuck Seasoned with Salt and Massaged in for Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Other broths will likely have less added salt, so be mindful of that while youre cooking.

Keep tasting as you go to adjust for seasoning as needed.

Other broths will likely have less added salt.

Beef Chuck Cooked in a Pot on a Stove and Stirred Using a Pair of Tongs for Beef Stew Recipe

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

If you use a different broth, just keep tasting as you go to adjust for seasoning as needed.

Heat the olive oil in a large (6 to 8 quart), thick-bottomed pot over high heat.

Tip

Get the meat cooking as you prep the vegetables.

Celery Pieces Added to Easy Beef Stew

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Add the celery, onion, carrots, and parsnips.

Reduce heat to medium-high.

Season with remaining teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Onions Added to Pot of Easy Beef Stew

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Add the beef broth, water, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Season to taste, transfer to serving bowls, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

Refrigerate leftovers, tightly covered, for up to 5 days.

Carrots Added to Pot of Easy Beef Stew

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Because stewed potatoes do not freeze well, we dont recommend freezing this recipe.

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Beef Stew Ingredients Mixed Together in the Pot on the Stove and Seasoned with Herbs

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Broth Added to Pot of Easy Beef Stew on the Stove

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang

Bowl of Easy Beef Stew Toped with Some Parsley and in the Background, a Kitchen Towel with a Spoon on Top

Simply Recipes / Mike Lang