Beef stew. The words alone conjure up images of cozy evenings, crackling fireplaces, and the comforting aroma filling your home. And when you think of hearty, home-style cooking, the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, often comes to mind. While this isn’t exactly her recipe, we’ve crafted a beef stew inspired by her warm, approachable style, perfect for feeding your family and warming souls. Get ready for a deeply flavorful, tender beef stew that will become a new staple in your kitchen, reminiscent of classic Pioneer Woman comfort food.
Why This Pioneer Woman Inspired Beef Stew Recipe is a Must-Try
This beef stew recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience. It’s about bringing people together around a table to share something truly delicious and satisfying. Inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s love for hearty, flavorful dishes, this recipe focuses on simplicity without sacrificing depth of taste. Here’s why you’ll adore this beef stew:
- Unbelievably Tender Beef: Using chuck roast and slow cooking methods (whether in an Instant Pot, oven, or slow cooker), the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Rich, Savory Gravy: The combination of tomato juice, seasonings, and a touch of tapioca (or flour/cornstarch alternatives) creates a luscious, flavorful gravy that coats every piece of meat and vegetable.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the speed of an Instant Pot, the traditional oven method, or the set-it-and-forget-it ease of a slow cooker, this recipe has you covered.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already. With just a few key components, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Pioneer Woman Style Beef Stew
This ingredient list focuses on fresh, wholesome components, just like you’d expect from a Pioneer Woman recipe.
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast: Look for a well-marbled chuck roast. Trim excess fat and cut into 1-2 inch chunks. This cut of beef is essential for that fall-apart tenderness.
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced. Yellow onions provide a foundational savory flavor to the stew.
- 2 Stalks Celery: Sliced diagonally into thick pieces. Celery adds a subtle herbaceous note and texture.
- 6 Medium Carrots: Sliced diagonally into thick pieces. Carrots contribute sweetness and color to the stew.
- 2 Tablespoons Small Tapioca Pearls: (See notes for alternatives). Tapioca is our secret weapon for thickening the gravy perfectly.
- 1/2 Cup Tomato Juice: Tomato juice adds a depth of umami and richness that elevates the stew.
- 2 Teaspoons Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Adjust to taste.
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomato juice and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Beef in chunks in an Instant Pot.
Step-by-Step Pioneer Woman Beef Stew Recipe
Let’s walk through how to create this comforting beef stew, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s hearty cooking style, using different cooking methods.
Instant Pot Method: Quick and Convenient
- Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Cut the chuck roast into 1-2 inch chunks and thinly slice the onion. Slice the celery and carrots into thick diagonal pieces.
- Layer Ingredients in the Instant Pot: Add the cubed beef to the Instant Pot. Then, layer in the sliced onions, celery, and carrots.
- Add Seasonings and Tapioca: Sprinkle salt, sugar, and tapioca pearls over the vegetables and beef in the Instant Pot.
- Pour in Tomato Juice: Pour the tomato juice over all the ingredients.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Select the “stew” or “meat” setting (about 35 minutes on high pressure).
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Optional Oven Browning (Recommended): For an extra layer of flavor and a slightly thicker gravy, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the stew to a casserole dish and bake uncovered for 10-20 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the gravy has thickened further.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hearty beef stew into bowls and serve hot.
Beef and onions in an Instant Pot.
Traditional Oven Method: Slow-Cooked Goodness
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C).
- Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: Place all ingredients – beef, onion, celery, carrots, tapioca, tomato juice, salt, and sugar – in a large baking dish (glass or ceramic casserole dish, around 8×8 to 9×13 inches works well).
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Check and Adjust Liquid: If the gravy seems to be drying out during baking, add a little water (about 1/4 cup at a time) to loosen it up.
- Optional Oven Browning (Recommended): For the last 10-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the top to brown slightly and the gravy to thicken.
- Serve Warm: Serve your oven-baked beef stew hot from the casserole dish.
Ingredients for beef stew in the Instant Pot.
Slow Cooker Method: Set It and Forget It
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place all ingredients – beef, onion, celery, carrots, tapioca, tomato juice, salt, and sugar – in your slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Optional Oven Browning (Recommended): For enhanced flavor and gravy thickness, transfer the stew to a casserole dish and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-20 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Savor: Enjoy your slow-cooked beef stew straight from the slow cooker or after the optional oven browning.
Ingredients for beef stew in an Instant Pot before cooking.
Tips and Variations for the Best Pioneer Woman Style Beef Stew
- Beef Browning (Optional but Recommended for Oven and Slow Cooker): For an even deeper flavor, you can brown the beef cubes in a skillet with a little oil before adding them to the oven or slow cooker. This adds a rich, caramelized note.
- Thickening Alternatives to Tapioca:
- Flour: Toss the beef cubes with 1/3 cup of flour before cooking. Shake off excess flour before adding to the pot. If using an Instant Pot with flour, you may need to add a bit more liquid to prevent a burn warning.
- Cornstarch Slurry: After the stew is cooked, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the hot stew and cook on sauté mode (Instant Pot) or on the stovetop until the gravy thickens.
- No Thickener: You can skip the tapioca, flour, or cornstarch altogether for a slightly less thick, more “brothy” stew. It will still be delicious!
- Add Potatoes: For a classic beef stew with potatoes, add cubed potatoes along with the carrots and celery. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well.
- Make it Richer: For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the tomato juice.
- Herbaceous Notes: Add a bay leaf or a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the stew during cooking for extra depth of flavor. Remember to remove the bay leaf and herb sprigs before serving.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth to the stew.
Pouring tomato juice into a pot of beef stew.
Serving Suggestions for Your Pioneer Woman Beef Stew
This hearty beef stew is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience, just like a Pioneer Woman feast:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread for soaking up that delicious gravy. Pioneer Woman style biscuits would be a perfect pairing!
- Mashed Potatoes: Ladle the beef stew over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting and satisfying meal.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs beautifully with beef stew.
Finished beef stew in a pan.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Beef Stew Recipe
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Beef stew is a fantastic make-ahead meal. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day or two in the refrigerator. Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze beef stew?
Absolutely. Beef stew freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat beef stew?
Reheat leftover or thawed beef stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in individual servings.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize your stew with other vegetables. Potatoes, peas, green beans, or even mushrooms would be delicious additions. Add root vegetables like potatoes along with the carrots and celery. Add quicker-cooking vegetables like peas or green beans towards the end of the cooking time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, this recipe can be gluten-free if you use tapioca pearls as the thickener and ensure your tomato juice and other ingredients are gluten-free. If you use flour to thicken, it will not be gluten-free. Cornstarch slurry is a good gluten-free alternative for thickening.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Hearty Pioneer Woman Inspired Beef Stew
This Pioneer Woman inspired beef stew recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, comfort, and family. Whether you choose the speed of the Instant Pot, the slow-cooked goodness of the oven, or the convenience of a slow cooker, you’re in for a treat. Gather your loved ones, serve up a bowl of this hearty stew, and create warm memories around your table. Enjoy!
