Southern-Style Beef Stew

Inspired by my Grandmother.

I was raised in the '80s and '90s. And listen... the way my Grandmother served in her kitchen? It looks nothing like how folks are doing it in 2025.

Her name was Annie Mae, and she was the epidemy of love and grace in the home. She didn’t play about her house or her food. And if you had a grandmother like mine, then you know exactly what I am talking about.

Back then, we didn’t eat stuff like “lunchables” or grab a quick sandwich for lunch. Nah. Every meal was a full spread. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all had real food, and most times you were going to need a fork and a spoon.

One meal that was always on rotation was her Beef Stew.

It wasn’t anything fancy, but babyyy it was everything. The beef was always tender. That’s how I fell in love with soft carrots. lol. And those potatoes? That thick gravy with onions all through it? Whew. She would always serve it over a scoop of white rice, and somehow, it hit every time. And the ONE thing that completed this meal was the cornbread.

My Granny’s meals are memories I hold close. They weren’t extravagant, but they were thoughtful and always just enough. That’s what makes food feel like home to me.

So let’s get into it…

This Southern-Style Beef Stew is my version of that memory. It’s simple, filling, and made to satisfy every belly in your house for at least two days.

Prep, Cook, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

• Servings: 6

• Calories: ~380 per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s simple. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated. Just good food with real ingredients.

• The flavor is deep.

• It makes a big pot, which means leftovers. And let me tell you, this stew hits even better the next day.

• It’s freezer-friendly, so you can tuck some away for a busy week.

• It’s one of those meals that makes the house smell like home. Like, real home.

Quick note before we get into this:
Listen, I’m a firm believer in seasoning how you season. There are folks who swear by things like Worcestershire sauce… and there are folks (like me) who’ve lived 40+ years and never once used it in a single meal. 😂

So take what works, leave what doesn’t. Swap what you need to. If you know your family’s tastebuds, then trust your hand. This recipe is just a guide, you’re the cook.

Ingredient Notes

• Beef Stew Meat – Choose chuck roast or stew beef, well-marbled for tenderness

• Potatoes – I use Yukon Golds for their creamy texture

• Carrots & Celery – Essential for that classic Southern flavor base

• Tomato Paste – Adds depth without being too tomato-forward

• Sweet Onions – Don’t skip this! It brings that savory richness

• Beef Broth – Use low sodium so you can season to your taste

• Bay Leaves & Thyme – The old-school secret to slow simmer flavor

Storage & Reheating

To Store: Let stew cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Scoop into freezer-safe containers or reusable silicone cubes. Label and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

To Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Can also be microwaved in 1-minute increments.

Amazon Freezer Storage Recommendations

Here are a few of my favorite freezer-friendly items to keep your leftovers organized and cute:

1. Souper Cubes 1-Cup Freezer Trays – freeze stew in perfect serving portions

2. Reusable Silicone Freezer Bags – eco-friendly and great for saving space

3. Freezer Labels with Waterproof Pen – because “what is this?” season hits hard without labels

4. BPA Free Food Containers – microwave + dishwasher safe for quick lunches

Homemaking Tip + Encouragement

Homemaking Tip: Double the stew and freeze half. You’ll thank yourself on a busy night when all you have to do is reheat and serve with cornbread.

Encouragement:
God isn't just in the grand gestures—He's in the slow simmer. The quiet moments of stirring, serving, and loving your people well.

“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox with hatred.” – Proverbs 15:17

📥 Click here to download the printable recipe card!

I pray this stew brings as much comfort to your home as it does to mine.

And I hope it reminds you that simple meals can carry so much love.

Until next time, may your home be full of grace, your belly full of good food, and your heart full of peace.

– Sincerely, Takisha