19 Soul-Warming Beef Stew Recipes For Cozy Nights At Home

beef stew recipes

There's nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew. Whether it's a chilly winter evening or just a craving that won't quit, beef stew has the magical power to warm both your body and soul.

I've always been a bit of a culinary adventurer, and experimenting with different beef stew recipes has become a delicious obsession of mine as the seasons change. From the classic and timeless beef stew that reminds me of my grandma's kitchen, to modern twists that incorporate exciting global flavors, there's a dish for every palate and occasion.

Without further ado, let's dive into the aromatic, soul-soothing world of beef stew recipes that will make your kitchen the ultimate comfort zone.

Persian Inspired Herb and Beef Stew with Rice

Herb and Beef Stew is like a warm hug in a bowl. With tender chunks of beef, a medley of fresh herbs, and a rich, savory broth, it's a recipe that transforms a simple stew into a gourmet experience. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Turkish Stew with Beef

Beef Stew in Clay Pot is a culinary adventure that takes comfort food to a whole new level. Cooking in a clay pot not only infuses the dish with earthy, rustic flavors but also creates a sense of tradition and warmth. (via Give Recipe)

Irish Beef Stew

This recipe is a culinary ode to the Emerald Isle, bringing the rustic charm and hearty flavors of Ireland to your table. My favorite for cozying up by the fire with a bowl of stew on a chilly evening. (via Vikalinka)

Slow Cooker Beef Stew With Red Wine

Ultimate comfort food, marrying the robust flavors of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and the rich depth of red wine in a harmonious and convenient recipe. As it simmers low and slow in the slow cooker, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, infused with the bold essence of red wine. (via Averie Cooks)

Slow Cooker Beef Stew (Super Flavourful)

What sets this stew apart is its dedication to achieving maximum flavor. The long, slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a stew that's rich, robust, and incredibly satisfying. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Chunky Beef Stew (Made in One Pot!)

This stew is truly special because of its rustic simplicity. It's the kind of meal that harks back to homemade dinners with family gathered around the table. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Vegan Beef and Rice Stew

The reason why I love this stew is because of its ability to capture the essence of a traditional beef stew while remaining entirely vegan. The plant-based "beef" delivers a meaty texture and taste, while the blend of herbs and seasonings infuses the stew with comforting flavors. (via This Wife Cooks)

Barley Vegan Beef Stew Recipe

Barley Vegan Beef Stew is a hearty and nutritious twist on a classic, bringing together the wholesome goodness of barley, savory vegan "beef," and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful stew. (via Veggie Society)

Chipotle Butternut Squash Beef Stew

Sensational fusion of flavors and textures that transforms a classic beef stew into an unforgettable culinary experience. With tender beef, sweet butternut squash, and the smoky kick of chipotle peppers, it's a stew that's as exciting as it is comforting. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Easy Oven Beef Stew

Oven Beef Stew is a comforting and heartwarming dish that brings the rich flavors of a slow-cooked stew to your table without the need for a slow cooker. It's the kind of meal that warms your heart and provides a sense of comfort, perfect for sharing with family and friends. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Best Beef Stew

This recipe is a culinary masterpiece that lives up to its name, delivering a hearty and flavorful stew that's perfect for warming your body and soul on a chilly day. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Beef and Lentil Stew

If you're looking for a dish with a perfect balance of ingredients, look no further. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the lentils provide a hearty and protein-packed addition that's perfect for keeping you satisfied. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Pressure Cooker Corned Beef Cabbage Irish Stew

Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply craving the flavors of Ireland, Pressure Cooker Corned Beef Cabbage Irish Stew is a delicious and efficient option that brings the spirit of the Emerald Isle to your table. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Whole30 Beef Stew Recipe

If you're in the midst of a Whole30 journey or simply seeking a nourishing meal, this stew is a testament to the idea that good food can support your well-being while still being incredibly flavorful. (via Olive You Whole)

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Get ready to enjoy the classic flavors of a slow-cooked beef stew with minimal effort! Great reminder that delicious meals don't have to be complicated, and sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones that bring us the greatest joy. (via Salt & Lavender)

Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

Enjoy the unexpected and delightful pairing of chocolate and Guinness. The stout beer infuses the stew with a unique depth and complexity of flavor, while the chocolate adds a touch of sweetness and richness that's simply divine. (via The Endless Meal)

30-Minute Vegan Beef Stew Recipe

Great option to enjoy all the goodness of a classic beef stew while staying true to your vegan lifestyle! (via Live Eat Learn)

Cranberry Cider Braised Beef Stew with Rosemary Polenta

Remarkable plant-based take on a classic comfort dish, showing that you can enjoy all the flavors and heartiness of traditional beef stew without using any animal products. Sometimes flavor and compassion do go hand in hand. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

Instant Pot Spicy White Bean Beef Stew

Instant Pot Spicy White Bean Beef Stew is a game-changer in the world of hearty stews, blending the comfort of traditional beef stew with a healthier twist. With tender beef, creamy white beans, and a kick of spice, it's a recipe that satisfies both your taste buds and your well-being. (via Half-Baked Harvest)

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Header image via Feel Good Foodie

When it comes to prepping Thanksgiving dinner, we'll take any make-ahead ideas we can get. That's why we are *obsessed* with this insanely yummy mashed potato recipe from Half Baked Harvest. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and even better to check off your to-do-list, these mashed potatoes are rich and full of garlicky goodness. We'll let Tieghan Gerard take it from here!

Make Ahead Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, the best holiday mashed potatoes. Made simply with sweet roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and salted butter. Each bite is perfectly smooth, creamy, and so delicious. The secret? Cooking the potatoes together with the milk and cream, then adding in roasted garlic cloves for a delicious garlic flavor that isn't overpowering. This method makes for the creamiest and most flavorful mashed potatoes. They're perfect for making ahead of time for easy entertaining!

What's the secret to these potatoes?

Half Baked Harvest

Two things… first, the roasted garlic. Roasting the garlic adds just the right amount of garlic flavor that's delicious but not over powering.

Second, cook the potatoes together with the milk and herbs. This means no boiling the potatoes, no extra steps, nothing fancy. It turns out that creating almost perfect mashed potatoes is actually really easy.

The Steps — Roast The Garlic

Half Baked Harvest

Start with the garlic since it takes time to roast in the oven. If you've never done it before it really adds a layer of deliciousness to your recipes.

Simply slice the top portion of the garlic head off to reveal the cloves. Then place the garlic on a small piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap the garlic up. Roast for about forty minutes, until the garlic is deeply golden and soft.

Then simply squeeze the cloves out of the garlic skin.

Meanwhile, Make The Potatoes 

Half Baked Harvest

Combine the potatoes with the milk and cream in a large pot on the stove. Add the herbs, then cook until the potatoes are tender. This will take about twenty-five minutes or so. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them, BUT, be sure to save the cream – you'll need it!

Now, the potato ricer…it's key to making ultra-smooth mashed potatoes. Do you have to have a potato ricer? No, a good ole masher works too. But if you want the smoothest mashed potatoes, a ricer works really well.

Half Baked Harvest

Take the mashed potatoes and those roasted garlic cloves and put them right back into the pot. Then add back the cream and also add some butter. Cook until the butter is melted…and that's it…the most perfectly flavored creamy mashed potatoes!

Honest these are the BEST – classic, but with amazing flavor and texture.

The added bonus is just how easy these are to make…and that you can make them ahead of time. Steps for warming in the oven, slow cooker, or on the stove are listed in the directions!

Make Ahead Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Half Baked Harvest

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
  2. Slice off the top portion of the garlic head to expose some of the cloves. Place the garlic on a piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap it up, and bake for 40-55 minutes, until deeply golden and very soft.
  3. Let the garlic cool, then squeeze out the cloves.
  4. Meanwhile, In a large dutch oven, combine the potatoes, heavy cream, milk, sage, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Drain the potatoes, reserving all of the cream. Discard the thyme and sage. Press the potatoes and roasted garlic cloves through a potato ricer. Then add them back to the warm pot. Alternately, you can add the potatoes back to the pot and mash with a potato masher.
  6. Over low heat, add 1 1/2 cups of the reserved cream and the butter. Continue to add more of the cream until your desired consistency is reached. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper.
  7. If desired, brown a little butter with sage or thyme and swirl into the potatoes before serving. Serve warm and creamy.

To Make Ahead:

  • In the Oven: Prepare the mashed potatoes as directed through step 6. Spoon the potatoes into a large baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 325° F. Pour 1/2 cup milk or cream over the potatoes and add 2 tablespoons butter, do not stir. Cover the potatoes tightly with foil and transfer to the oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are warmed through. Stir before serving.
  • Slow Cooker: Prepare the mashed potatoes as directed through step 6. Spoon the potatoes into the slower cooker, cover, and keep on low for up to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, turn the heat to low or high, add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons butter, do not stir. Cover and let the cream warm and the butter melt. Stir before serving.
  • On the Stove: Prepare the mashed potatoes as directed through step 6. Add 1/2 cup cream and 2 tablespoons butter. Place the potatoes over low heat, gently stirring until warmed throughout.

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This post has been updated.

'Tis the season... for giving and getting things you (and your giftees) might not really need. With sustainability becoming a paramount concern for many and the drawbacks of overconsumption entering our collective consciousness, the idea of gifting thoughtful, handmade, and possibly even zero-waste gifts is becoming ever more appealing. The only problem? We're not all as handy as we might like to be. Don't worry though — you don't need to be an expert maker to craft these DIY Christmas gifts! From beginner to advanced, there's a homemade Christmas gift idea for giver and giftee alike.

1. Edible DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Brit + Co

If you know your way around a kitchen, don't sleep on the opportunity to give your loved ones an edible gift. You know it'll get used (AKA eaten), and it's essentially a zero-waste gift-giving strategy.

We love making pretty desserts that work well as gifts, like this matcha yogurt bark, this peppermint bark, these super easy Christmas cookie recipes, and these edible gift ideas. Package them up with these creative gift wrapping techniques, or forego paper altogether and wrap them with a cute kitchen towel for a zero-waste approach.

2. DIY Craft Kits To Gift

Etsy

If you're a complete beginner to DIY and handmade Christmas gifts, it might be smart to start out with a kit. A DIY kit allows you to fashion a thoughtful gift that shows your recipient just how much time and effort you put into giving them something special.

This DIY permanent jewelry kit is perfect for someone who wants to give their bestie a one-of-a-kind present this year. You can also DIY Christmas-scented candles, grow your loved one's birth month flower, or construct a super-cute tiny house to be displayed as kitschy decor.

3. Handmade Christmas Gifts

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

We love a good DIY. Our favorite presents are handmade Christmas gifts, and we've shared a ton of homemade gift ideas in our time.

A cute winter terrarium is perfect for the quirky decor lover in your life, while nothing brings the hygge vibes more than a hand-knit blanket. Give your favorite houseplant lover some gorgeous flora in one of these DIY cement planters, or embroider a pillow that'll add a cute touch of color to your bestie's home!

4. DIY Home Decor

Brit + Co

Speaking of your bestie's home, we've got plenty of ideas for DIY Christmas gifts you can give in the home decor category.

Spruce up a simple IKEA desk to give your work wife a WFH chair that's cute and from the heart. Make magazine wall art in your giftee's favorite colors to add a homemade, kitschy touch to their space. This Anthro-inspired DIY chandelier is another great option for artsy decor lovers.

A friend who loves hostessing will appreciate this pineapple cutting board, and someone who's into the beauty of organization will swoon over this DIY wall organizer.

DIY Jewelry

Brit + Co

Many of us adore jewelry, so why not give someone in your life a cute and colorful accessory this holiday season? These acrylic earrings are super colorful and adorable, while this DIY choker is '90s inspired and totally on-trend. We also love this geode statement necklace and this cute necklace made out of old tee shirts. Talk about sustainable style!

Love these DIY Christmas gift ideas? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for gift guides, recipes, and other holiday inspo!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

In all honestly, all I look forward to during the holidays (other than my fam) is the pie. There's pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Chocolate pie. Sweet potato pie. But more than any other dessert, pecan piejust gets me. I'm salivating as I'm thinking about it!

Anywho... making an entire pecan pie can become a whole ordeal very quickly. That's where these delicious pecan pie bars from Chahinez with Lifestyle of a Foodiestep in. They're simple to make, plus provide the ideal eating experience – pecan pie bars easily qualify under finger foods, and they are downright addictive.

Let's get into the recipe!

Ingredients For Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

For the shortbread crust:

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch

For the pecan pie filling:

  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 & ½ cup pecans chopped

How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 F, then line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, add in the flour, salt, cornstarch, and mix. Add in the cold butter and work it into the dough with your hand or a pastry cutter until cookie dough forms. Press it onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until combined. Stir in the pecan pieces.
  4. Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges will brown a little, and the center will be barely jiggly.
  5. Remove from the oven, and let cool completely before transferring to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bars and serve.

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Recipe + photography by Lifestyle of a Foodie.

This post has been updated.

It looks like we'll just be getting Jacob Elordi movies for the rest of time, and honestly, I'm thankful. (Even if that one cringy Kissing Booth scene still runs on a loop in the my brain). Before Swift Horses with Daisy Edgar Jones, Jacob is teaming up with another Hollywood titan you'll recognize from Pretty Woman: Richard Gere. And the movie looks incredibly emotional.

Here's all the latest info on Jacob Elordi and Richard Gere's brand new movie Oh, Canada.

What is the Oh Canada movie about?

Oh, Canada Plot

Oh, Canada follows the life of legendary (albeit fictional) filmmaker Leonard Fife. This story probably approaches Leo's career the way we think about Steven Spielberg's. AKA, he's very important. Leonard decides to tell his life story before he runs out of time. And even though he's got an impressive resumé, he also has to decide if he wants his Vietnam draft dodge and sticky relationships to become public knowledge.

"Leonard sits for an extended interview with his former student Malcolm (Michael Imperioli), relating candid stories about his younger self (Jacob Elordi) in the tumultuous 1960s and beyond," the synopsis says, adding that "at Leonard’s insistence, his wife and indispensable artistic partner, Emma (Uma Thurman), bears witness to it all."

How to watch Oh Canada?

Oh, Canada Release Date

Jacob Elordi's new movie is coming to theaters December 6, 2024 — the same day as Rachel Zegler's Y2K and Amy Adams' Nightb—ch!

Who's in the movie?

Kino Lorber

Oh, Canada Cast

The cast of Oh, Canada includes Richard Gere, Jacob Elordi, Uma Thurman, Michael Imperioli, and Victoria Hill, while the movie is written and directed by Paul Schrader (who also worked with Richard on 1980's American Gigolo!

What has the cast said about the movie?

Uma Thurman has been vocal about how excited she is to be a part of the project and told Deadline the movie feels like a "reverie" and has a "lyrical, sort of loosely knit, poetic" quality about it.

"The cinematic hand of Paul, of course, carried the day, as far as bringing this sort of illusionary dream together into something that you walk away from with the strong impression of a story," she says. "Just the presence of a master like Paul Schrader on a set of any size, is as distinct as, I don’t know, a warm wind. It’s like the wind that hits you when you get off a plane in the tropics. There’s only one thing of its ilk, and he’s kind of a master like that. You could really be anywhere; you can’t miss it."

That sounds like my kind of movie.

Director Paul Schrader revealed he fell in love with Jacob's performance the moment he saw him — which was before he took the world by storm in Priscilla. “I saw his performance on Zoom and, if this was 40 years ago, this is the guy I would have cast for American Gigolo,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Are you excited to see Oh, Canada? Check out the other New December Movies you can't miss out on!

If you're looking for a winter wedding guest dress, then look no further! Winter is the perfect time to lean into your glam side, with a little shine, a sexy slit, or even a statement neckline on your dress. And while the typical palette may lean towards darker, deeper colors, that doesn't mean you have to opt for the same boring look. Instead, I found a ton of elegant dresses that'll land you the Best Dressed Wedding Guest award in no time — and you'll wanna rewear them as much as possible. Cheers!

Shop all the best winter wedding guest dresses here!

Nordstrom

Betsy & Adam Asymmetric Single Long Sleeve Gown

I'm sorry, but nothing is more elegant (or sexier) than a black gown with the perfect peek-a-boo leg slit down the front. When you pair that with this gorgeous asymmetrical sleeve situation, you really have the perfect winter wedding guest dress!

Abercrombie

Abercrombie Long-Sleeve Cowl Back Slip Maxi Dress

Cowl necks are always a classy look — but what about a cowl back?! This whole dress is giving "simplicity is elegance" at its finest. (And BRIDES: this little navy number comes in cream, making for a fabulous bridal outfit, too!)

Anthropologie

Bardot Adoni Off-The-Shoulder Fitted Stretch Lace Midi Dress

I know, I know — it's controversial to wear red to a wedding. But truly, I've never in my life heard that rule until recently, so it can't matter that much, right? I'll let you decide that for yourself, but while you're thinking about it...look at how gorgeous this off-the-shoulder number is!

Azazie

Azazie Atelier Bellini Grape Jacquard Satin Maxi Dress

I adore this deep, rich eggplant color SO much. It goes so well with this high neckline and jacquard fabric, absolutely emanating elegance. This looks fantastic with strappy gold sandals (like above), but I could also see this looking amazing with some pointed toe velvet pumps.

Lulus

Lulus I'm All Yours Black Tulle Ruffled Maxi Dress

I have this exact dress in burgundy, but I am totally into the black tulle. It gives an edge to the elegance that's so playful and COOL. Plus, who doesn't love a deep v neck like this? It's so freakin' good.

Target

Petal and Pup Womens Anabelle Halter Neck Midi Dress

Asymmetrical dresses are absolutely the moment right now. The draping on this Target dress is totally gorgeous, making you look effortlessly beautiful. Plus, if this shade of teal isn't your color, you have 10 other options to choose from — and at under $100!

Nordstrom

Ieena for Mac Duggal Sequin Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Gown

My mom wore this exact dress in black to my own wedding, and she looked like a total goddess. The shimmer could seem like a lot for some, but it's really quite lovely and just understated enough when you're in that glittering wedding environment. You'll definitely wanna dance the night away in this look!

Free People

Elliatt Calypso Dress

Looking for a shorter winter wedding guest dress? This Elliatt option is stunning! The body of the dress itself is really quite simple, letting the statement bow on the back do all the heavy (and very stylish) lifting for your look. I'd pair this with an Audrey Hepburn-esque updo and some pointed black pumps!

Azazie

Azazie Atelier Sara Marigold Maxi Dress

Let this marigold dress light up the room at the next wedding you're invited to! The floral pattern is perfect for winter, not leaning too spring, and giving this balloon sleeve dress a little extra life. (And do you see the slit? I'm telling you: it's the perfect way to accentuate your wedding guest look!)

Anthropologie

Norma Kamali Tara Long-Sleeve Deep-V Ruched Stretch Jersey Midi Dress

Norma Kamali knows how to make something simple oh-so sexy. This dress hugs your curves in all the right places, and the ruching gives the sleek silhouette some much-needed texture. Plus, the slightly off-the-shoulder of it all is just everything — it's giving old Hollywood glam meets modern babe.

Nordstrom

Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Pleated Satin Cocktail Midi Dress

Like I said before, winter doesn't me you can't wear color! This shade is just bright enough to make a statement, but just earthy enough to be perfect for the season. The pleats and the buttoned, ballooned sleeves are just gorgeous here too!

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie The Maya Ruched Cowl-Neck Dress: Stretch Velvet Edition

I seriously just love a high neckline! There's something about it that screams class (but a distinguished, polite scream of course 😉), which is totally what you're going for with your winter wedding guest dress. I also love how the stretch velvet will give you the space to sit, eat, and dance comfortably all night long — exactly what you need for a festive wedding eventing!

Nordstrom

Alfred Sung One-Shoulder A-Line Gown

Alfred Sung makes stunning gowns that are perfect for all your winter wedding guest needs! I wore a different Alfred Sung dress a few years back to a December wedding, and it made me feel totally elegant. This sleek design would look gorgeous on anyone, and the A line silhouette gives you plenty of room to hit the dance floor all you want!

Tuckernuck

Tuckernuck Black Clea Dress

She's giving Audrey Hepburn! She's giving Grace Kelly! She's giving EVERYTHING! Seriously, this neckline is incredible, this length is lovely, and the dress itself is the perfect canvas to make your own. Add some fun jewelry, grab a fun shoe, and let your hair down for an evening — in the most elevated way possible.

Anthropologie

Mac Duggal Sleeveless Rhinestone Flower Crepe A-Line Mini Dress

In case you're looking for another shorter option, I love this Mac Duggal dress! The flower on the hip is so unique, yet it's giving a timeless charm that would look amazing on anyone! I could totally see this with some stunning red tights, an updo, and some statement earrings.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.