Stew Recipes

Warming, hearty and delicious, you can’t go wrong with a delicious hot pot of stew for dinner. Luckily here at HelloFresh Ireland, we know a thing or two about creating the most delicious stew recipes. Explore our recipes and meal ideas below.

Stew Recipes from HelloFresh

All Stew Recipes

Vegetable Stew Recipes

Quick Stew Recipes

Stew Recipe FAQs

How to Make the Perfect Stew

Creating the perfect stew depends on combining the right flavours, textures, and aromas for a comforting and hearty meal. Start with choosing the right meat, whether it's succulent beef, tender chicken, or flavourful lamb - the key is selecting a cut that will tenderise and infuse the broth with rich taste. Pairing the meat with an array of vegetables is essential; carrots, potatoes, and onions add sweetness, while celery and tomatoes contribute depth. Don't forget the herbs and spices; bay leaves, thyme, and a dash of paprika can elevate the stew to new heights. The perfect stew is not complete without carefully selected sides and crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes make excellent companions, soaking up the savoury broth.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Stew

Our Head of Culinary, Hannah Duxbury, has shared some of her expertise when it comes to cooking the best stew. In fact, there are many common mistakes that people make when cooking stew, so she’s advised what to look out for:

Not Searing the Meat Beforehand

“Stew is such an easy one pot meal, so it’s no surprise that most people throw everything into the pan for ease. But actually, browning your protein before adding it to your stew can enhance flavour by caramelising the meat’s surface and creating a more varied texture.” Says Hannah.

Adding Herbs Too Early

“Fresh herbs are delicate and therefore have a tendency to lose their flavour if cooked too long, so it’s best to add these near the end of the stewing process. Add fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, coriander and dill in the final minutes of cooking or as a garnish to help retain their vibrant flavours.”

Ignoring the Resting Period Before Serving

"Rushing to serve your stew immediately after it's done cooking can be a common oversight. To allow your flavours to intensify, it’s best to allow your stew to rest for a short period after serving. That’s why stew can taste even better the next day - it’s a perfect dish for batch cooking!” Hannah advises.

Neglecting the Importance of Seasoning Throughout

She says, "Seasoning isn't a one-time affair; it's an ongoing process that can significantly impact the final taste of your stew. Some cooks make the mistake of seasoning only at the beginning or end of the cooking process. However, regularly tasting and adjusting the seasoning throughout the simmering time allows you to build layers of flavour and ensure that every element of the stew is well-seasoned.”

Stew Recipe FAQs

How to cook stew in a slow cooker

To cook stew in a slow cooker, simply combine your chosen meat, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker, set it to the desired temperature, and let it simmer for 6-8 hours for tender and flavour-packed results.

How long to cook stew

Cooking stew on the stovetop in a pan typically takes around 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the type of meat used and the size of the ingredients.

How to thicken stew

To thicken stew, mix equal parts flour and water to create a smooth paste, then stir it into the simmering stew. Alternatively, use a cornstarch slurry by combining cornstarch with water and adding it gradually until the desired thickness is achieved.

Can I freeze stew?

Yes, you can freeze stew for future meals. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months, and when ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.