"I Want To Thank You" Dutch Oven Beef Stew {Recipe + Video}

Have you ever had a stew so good you feel like thanking everybody? That’s what this dutch oven beef stew recipe will do to you.

Slide into the kitchen groove with this Southern beef stew, y'all. We're talkin' tender beef, slow-cooked with earthy okra and sweet potatoes that bring that natural, soul-stirring sweetness.

This ain't just any stew—this is the kind of meal that warms your heart like an 80s soul ballad, with flavors that hit deep and linger long. Picture yourself swayin' to the rich, savory beats, as each spoonful takes you back to the taste of home. Grab a bowl and let this soulful stew take you on a smooth, flavorful ride. You ready? Let’s cook with love.

Note: Video included in recipe card.

This Southern style stew has got that classic beefiness and tender texture, but the flavor is damn near cosmic despite the low ingredient profile. Ingredients like pears, habanero, and all spice that you don’t typically associate with each other come together and produce magic.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Beef Stew)

Alicia Meyers' song "I Want to Thank You" pairs perfectly with Southern beef stew because both offer warmth, comfort, and a sense of gratitude. The smooth, soulful melody of the song mirrors the hearty, rich flavors of the stew, creating a vibe that makes you want to slow down and savor each moment.

Just like the song's message of appreciation, a bowl of Southern beef stew brings a sense of contentment, filling you up with the warmth of slow-cooked beef, vegetables, and spices. It's the kind of meal and music that makes you feel right at home, wrapped in a cozy, soulful embrace.

BEEF STEW INGREDIENTS

For the Puree

• Asian pear - the sweetness of the pear balances against the heat from the habanero. Anjou or Bosc make good substitutes for Asian pears. Kiwi is another good substitute as similar to Asian pears it’s highly acidic which means it helps tenderize the beef when cooking.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes - as part of the puree, they help give the stew more depth of flavor that tomato paste does. Plain diced tomatoes can work fine here.
• Red onion
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic Cloves
• Habanero Pepper

For the Beef Stew

• Chuck Roast - skip the beef stew meat and cut up a good roast on your own
• Sweet Potatoes
• Fresh Okra (Optional) 
• Paprika
• All spice
• (Kosher) salt and pepper
• Bay leaves
• Fresh Thyme sprig
• Red wine
• Beef broth
• Soy sauce or worcestershire sauce - if in a pinch A-1 steak sauce can work.

DUTCH OVEN BEEF STEW COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Make the puree

Add onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, habanero (seeds and veins removed), pear, and garlic to a blender or food processor. Pulse to a coarse consistency for a little texture.

Make the Stew

Slice the chuck roast into half inch chunks. You don’t want these too small as they will cook too fast and you’ll miss the ideal tenderness. 

Preheat dutch oven on medium heat. Add oil and once hot, brown beef. Make sure to brown all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

Add 2 cups of the puree to the pot and mix well. Add half the spices and mix more.

Add wine and deglaze the pan cooking for 1-2 minutes. Add broth, soy, bay leaf and fresh thyme. Bring everything to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Add beef back, cover the pot and bake in the oven for an hour at 325 degrees.

Cut sweet potatoes into thick diagonal slices and add to the pot. Cook for another 45 minutes. If using the okra, add the last 15 minutes of cooking. 

The beef stew should be fairly thick, but if not to your preferred level, make a quick slurry (mix a cup of water and a tablespoon of corn starch in a bowl) and stir into stew.

What To Serve with This Soul Food Beef Stew

Soul food beef stew is rich, hearty, and full of bold flavors, so you'll want to pair it with sides that complement its warmth and depth. Here are some great options to serve with it:

1. Cornbread: A classic side, its slightly sweet and crumbly texture balances the savory richness of the stew.
2. Collard greens: Slow-cooked greens add a tender, slightly smoky flavor that complements the beef stew's bold taste.
3. Rice: White or seasoned rice helps soak up the flavorful gravy from the stew, making each bite even more satisfying.
4. Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting, starchy base to enjoy alongside the beef and vegetables.
5. Biscuits: Fluffy Southern biscuits are perfect for sopping up the stew’s rich sauce and add a buttery, tender bite.
6. Fried okra: Crispy fried okra adds a nice contrast in texture to the tender beef and veggies in the stew.
7. Mac and cheese: The creamy, cheesy richness of mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the deep flavors of the beef stew.

COOKING CONSIDERATIONS AND TIPS

Choose The Right Beef Cut

All beef ain’t good beef when it comes to stew. Stay away from the lean cuts and go with cheaper tough cuts with lots of collagen. I prefer chuck roast or beef round. Long, slow cooking of tough cuts equal juicy tender cuts of beef. 

Don’t buy “stew meat.” Cut your own chunk into preferred chunk sizes. 

Brown the meat before braising

Don’t be the person that just throws the beef and all the other ingredients in the pot at the same time. Give each side of the beef chunks a good sear to start things. Sounds minor, but the results are big in the form of deeper flavor. Every step matters when you’re trying to get to great.

Slow Your Roll When Adding Vegetables

Don’t be in a rush to add your vegetables. The sweet potatoes are hard and sturdy, so you’ll be okay with them. But more delicate veggies will basically turn to mush if added too early. If using okra, then you definitely want to add a little late. 

No Need To Add Flour To Thicken

Many recipes call for coating the beef in flour before cooking to ensure a thicker stew. You can definitely do this if its your preference, but the puree actually plays a similar role. And if you are using the okra, you’ll get similar thickness to gumbo.

Keep the Vegetable Ingredient List Simple

I’m a Texas guy, and Texas style chili influenced this recipe meaning it doesn’t rely on many ingredients beyond the gravy and beef. Most dutch oven beef stew recipes include lots of different vegetables. Not this one; you’re certainly in your right to add whatever you want, but this is hearty and flavorful enough without.

Deglaze the Pan

The combination of broth, wine, and soy sauce add some real flavor and take this stew up more than a notch. Add the wine first to cook off some of the alcohol, but more importantly deglaze the pan with it, scraping up on the brown bits which equal mo flavor! If you have the time or forethought, make your own homemade stock ahead of time. This way you can control salt content and get more flavor.

Alternatively Cook in Slow Cooker

A crock pot is the perfect vessel for beef stew recipes. You'll still want to brown the meat first.

Serve with poached pears as a chaser.

Substitutions and Variations

For Beef:

• Lamb: Adds a more robust flavor, great if you want a heartier, gamey twist.

For Okra:

• Green beans: Offer a similar texture without the slight "sliminess" of okra, but still hold up well in stews.

For Sweet Potatoes:

• Butternut squash: Similar in sweetness and texture, it holds up well in stews.
• Carrots: Slightly sweet and hearty, carrots work well as a replacement.
• White potatoes: Traditional and starchy, they’re a great substitute if you prefer a more classic beef stew flavor.

For Other Ingredients:

• Broth: Replace beef broth with vegetable or chicken broth if you want a lighter base.

MORE RECIPES

Beef Tips and Rice

Instant Pot Short Ribs

Sous Vide Beef Short Ribs

Beef Suya

Texas Beef Chili

Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Southern Meatloaf

Braised Beef Neck Bones

Beef and Cabbage Soup

Vegetable Beef Soup w/ Yuca and Collards

Guyanese Pepperpot

Duck and Sausage Gumbo

MAKE THIS SOUTHERN BEEF STEW RECIPE

If you make this dutch oven pot roast recipe or any other from the site, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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