Baked Beef Stew

Baked Beef Stew is a warm and comforting one-dish meal, loaded with tender beef, rustic vegetables, and a richly spiced tomato sauce. This oven-baked version of a classic stew is full of bold flavors, thanks to garlic, peppers, and a blend of warming spices. With minimal hands-on time and all the magic happening in the oven, it’s a simple yet hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Oven-baked for hands-off cooking

• Incredibly tender beef without needing a slow cooker

• Packed with hearty vegetables and bold spices

• One-pan meal with easy cleanup

• Great for meal prep and leftovers

• Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free

• Warm, comforting flavors with a slight kick from jalapeños

• Perfect for fall, winter, or any time comfort food is calling

• Versatile with room for your favorite veggie add-ins

• A complete meal in one dish

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 gold Yukon potatoes, peeled and quartered

• 2 large carrots, thickly sliced

• 1 onion, quartered

• 1 red bell pepper, quartered

• 1 green bell pepper, quartered

• 3 large tomatoes, quartered

• 1–2 large jalapeños, sliced

• 5 garlic cloves, sliced

• 2 pounds stew meat (such as chuck roast or sirloin)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices:

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup tomato paste

• ¼ cup tomato sauce

• 2 cups water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large baking dish, combine quartered potatoes, carrots, onion, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, jalapeños, and garlic.

3. Add the stew meat directly into the dish with the vegetables.

4. In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the meat and vegetables.

5. Drizzle the olive oil over the top.

6. Sprinkle all of the spices evenly over the dish, and place the bay leaf on top.

7. Cover the baking dish tightly with parchment paper, followed by foil to seal in the steam.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.

9. Carefully remove from the oven, discard the bay leaf, and garnish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives if desired.

10. Serve hot and enjoy with rice, crusty bread, or on its own.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Milder Version: Omit the jalapeños and crushed red pepper for a more kid-friendly dish.

• More Veggies: Add celery, sweet potatoes, or green beans for extra color and nutrition.

• Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary along with the bay leaf for a deeper aroma.

• Richer Sauce: Replace ½ cup of water with low-sodium beef broth for added depth.

• Tomato-Free Option: Use a mix of broth and herbs instead of tomato-based sauce if preferred.

• Spice Swap: Use cumin or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, chuck roast is ideal, but sirloin or even brisket also works well for stews.

Do I need to brown the meat first?

Not in this recipe. The oven baking method allows the meat to become tender and flavorful without pre-browning.

Can I make this in a Dutch oven?

Absolutely. Just follow the same steps and bake covered in a Dutch oven instead of a baking dish.

Is this stew spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick from jalapeños and crushed red pepper. Adjust these to your taste.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day. Simply store and reheat before serving.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes, substitute the fresh tomatoes with a can of diced tomatoes if desired.

What should I serve with it?

Crusty bread, rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes all pair beautifully with this dish.

Do I need to stir it during baking?

No need. Just seal it well and let the oven do the work.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger roasting pan or divide between two dishes. Increase baking time slightly if needed.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let the stew rest uncovered for a few minutes after baking, or remove some liquid and reduce it on the stove before returning to the dish.

Conclusion

Baked Beef Stew is the perfect no-fuss comfort meal — hearty, flavorful, and filling. With tender meat, soft vegetables, and a richly spiced tomato sauce, this one-pan wonder is as easy as it is delicious. Ideal for chilly nights, family dinners, or meal prep, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

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