Beef Stew For One

Craving classic beef stew but don’t want a huge pot of leftovers or a pile of dishes? This small, single serving, beef stew recipe is the perfect solution! Get all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional beef stew – tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth – all made in just one pot. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a cozy meal without the hassle.

Searching for more single serving ideas featuring chuck roast? Try our savory Slow Cooker Pot Roast or our flavorful Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja. Pair either with a slice of freshly-baked French bread for a delightful meal.

Recipe Variations

Beef stew is a pretty forgiving dish, offering room for creativity and personalization. Here are some twists you can try to make the recipe uniquely yours:

• Lamb Stew: Craving something other than beef? Substitute it with lamb for a richer, more luxurious stew.
• More Veggies, Please: If you’re looking to up your veggie intake, feel free to toss in some additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Beef Stew: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch, making sure to adjust the quantities as needed.
• Herb-Infused: If dried thyme isn’t in your pantry, no worries! You can easily replace it with dried basil, rosemary, or a sprinkle of herbes de Provence to add a distinct aroma to your stew.
• Spicy Beef Stew: If you like a little heat in your stew, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a dollop of spicy Sriracha for that extra kick.

So go ahead and make the beef stew your own, because that’s the beauty of home cooking—you have the freedom to tailor it to your personal preferences!

How To Make Beef Stew

See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper and brown on all sides, about 6 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and place on a plate.
2. If no oil is left in the pot, add an additional ½ tablespoon of oil and stir in the chopped onions and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally for 30 seconds. As you might imagine, the aroma coming from your kitchen will be incredible.
4. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce and cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir until the there is no visible flour and the vegetables look slightly mushy from the flour coating, 1 minute.
6. Pour in the wine and dried thyme. Stir until the wine has reduced and has slightly thickened.
7. Add the broth and return the beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally and make sure the stew stays at a very low simmer.
8. Add the gold potatoes, carrots, and peas to the stew. Cover the pot again and cook on low heat for another 25 minutes. When done, the meat should be tender and flake apart easily and the potatoes should be cooked through. If not, cover the pot again and cook in 10-minute increments until cooked.

Expert Tips

• Choose Chicken Broth for Unique Flavor: While beef broth is the traditional choice, I personally prefer using chicken broth in my beef stew. Many store-bought beef broths can introduce a metallic taste to the stew, which is why chicken broth can be a great alternative.
• Flexible Wine Substitutions: If you’re out of red wine or prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can easily swap it for additional broth, red or white wine vinegar, or even water without compromising on taste.
• Affordable Meat Choices: The recipe starts with 5 ounces of beef chuck roast, but don’t feel tied to that specific cut. Budget-friendly options like bottom round, top round, eye round, or shoulder roast work well too.
• Sear Before Slow-Cooking: For the most flavorful outcome, always sear your meat before letting it simmer with the rest of the ingredients. This extra step locks in the meat’s natural flavors, elevating your stew to new heights.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your single serving beef stew, the sky’s the limit! But some dishes really elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas that are the culinary equivalent of a standing ovation for your stew:

• Mashed Potatoes: What better way to soak up that delicious, rich stew gravy than with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes? Opt for a garlic-infused mash for an added layer of flavor.
• Baked Rice: Consider serving your beef stew over a bed of fluffy baked rice. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your meal more filling and adds a comforting, homey touch.
• French Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up those last bits of stew in the bowl. Whether it’s a French baguette or a slice of sourdough, it’s hard to go wrong here.
• Rosemary Garlic Buttermilk Biscuits: Buttery, flaky garlic biscuits can serve as a wonderful side, giving you the option to either dip them into the stew or even spoon the stew over the biscuits like a sort of open-faced sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

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If you’ve tried this small batch beef stew or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

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