Introduction

When the weather calls for warmth and comfort, few dishes deliver like a hearty stew simmered low and slow in the oven. This Oven-Baked Beef and Mushroom Stew is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with satisfied smiles. The combination of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich broth makes it a classic you’ll return to again and again.

What makes this dish special is its simplicity. By letting the oven do the slow cooking, you transform humble ingredients into a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner. Each spoonful brings together the savory depth of beef, the sweetness of carrots, and the rustic flavor of mushrooms—all mingling in a flavorful gravy.

Perfect for weeknights when you want a family-friendly comfort food recipe, or for weekends when you’re entertaining, this stew is both practical and indulgent. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread that soaks up every last drop of that rich sauce.

 

 

What You Need

Meat & Base

• Beef chuck (2 lbs, cubed into 1-inch pieces)
• Olive oil (2 tbsp)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• Onion (1 large, chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Mushrooms (2 cups, sliced)
• Carrots (3, sliced)

Flavor & Sauce

• Tomato paste (2 tbsp)
• All-purpose flour (2 tbsp)
• Beef broth (1 cup)
• Red wine (1 cup, optional)
• Dried thyme (1 tsp)
• Dried rosemary (1 tsp)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

 

 

How To Make Oven-Baked Hearty Beef and Mushroom Stew

1. Preheat & Brown Beef: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Veggies: Add onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened. Stir in mushrooms and carrots, cooking until mushrooms are browned.
3. Add Base: Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking 1 minute.
4. Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in beef broth and red wine, scraping up browned bits.
5. Bake Low & Slow: Return beef to the pot, add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to oven. Bake 2–2.5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Stir well, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with mashed potatoes or bread.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking – The oven does most of the work while you relax.
• Tender Beef Every Time – Slow cooking transforms chuck into melt-in-your-mouth bites.
• Deep, Savory Flavor – Red wine, herbs, and mushrooms create a rich, comforting broth.
• Perfect for Family Dinners – A filling, wholesome meal that satisfies everyone.

 

 

Tips for Success

• Cut beef into even cubes so it cooks consistently.
• Use a heavy Dutch oven for even heat and better browning.
• Browning the beef first builds rich flavor in the broth.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to deepen flavor.

 

 

Variations

• Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low 7–8 hours instead of baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap flour for cornstarch slurry.
• Extra Veggies: Add parsnips, potatoes, or celery for more bulk.
• Herb Upgrade: Use fresh thyme and rosemary for brighter flavor.

 

 

Substitutions

• Beef chuck → brisket or short ribs.
• Red wine → extra beef broth for alcohol-free version.
• Mushrooms → a mix of cremini, shiitake, or portobello for depth.

 

 

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, the flavors improve when reheated the next day.
2. Can I freeze it?
   Yes, freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. Do I have to use red wine?
   No, beef broth works perfectly as a substitute.
4. Can I add potatoes?
   Yes, add them in the last hour to prevent overcooking.
5. What’s the best beef cut?
   Beef chuck is affordable and tenderizes beautifully.
6. Can I cook it on the stovetop only?
   Yes, simmer covered on low heat 2–3 hours.
7. How do I thicken the stew more?
   Add a cornstarch slurry or mash some vegetables into the broth.
8. What’s the best pot to use?
   A cast iron Dutch oven retains heat and ensures even cooking.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, just use a larger pot or divide into two.
10. What should I serve with it?
    Mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or crusty bread are perfect.

 

 

Health Benefits

• Protein-rich from beef.
• Vegetable-packed with carrots, mushrooms, and onions.
• Iron and B vitamins from beef support energy levels.

 

How to Serve

• Over creamy mashed potatoes.
• With egg noodles or rice.
• With crusty bread to soak up the broth.

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare a day early; flavors deepen overnight.
• Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm on stovetop or in oven for best texture.

 

 

Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Hearty Beef and Mushroom Stew is a classic comfort food recipe that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it’s an easy dinner recipe you’ll be proud to serve. Whether it’s for a family meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this stew delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort in every bite.