Is there anything more comforting and quintessentially holiday than the aroma of a hearty beef stew slowly cooking in the oven? As Christmas Eve approaches, the search for the perfect make-ahead Christmas dinner or a timeless holiday family tradition begins. If you're looking for a classic beef stew recipe that feels like a warm hug and frees you up to enjoy the festivities, you've found it.
This cherished Christmas Eve Beef Stew recipe, with over 180 rave reviews, is more than just a meal; it's the centerpiece of a cozy night in. Imagine tender beef, soft vegetables, and a rich, herb-infused broth served with a crisp green salad and warm bread for dipping—it's the ultimate easy holiday meal. The magic happens with minimal hands-on time, allowing the oven (or your slow cooker) to do all the work.
As a food blogger passionate about creating and sharing comfort food recipes that bring people together, this stew embodies everything I love about holiday cooking. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can create profound warmth and connection. For more recipes that turn everyday ingredients into memorable meals, be sure to visit my blog at tfgogogo.com, where I explore the stories and flavors behind home-cooked food.
Christmas Eve Beef Stew: The Heartwarming Classic
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Prep Time: 20 mins
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Cook Time: 5-6 hours (Oven) or 7-8 hours (Slow Cooker)
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Total Time: 6-7 hours
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Servings: 8
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Rating: 4.4 stars (from 182 reviews)
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this hearty winter stew. The combination of dried herbs and a splash of red wine builds incredible depth of flavor.
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2 ½ pounds beef stew meat, diced into 1-inch pieces
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1 (28 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with juice
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1 cup chopped celery
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4 carrots, sliced
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3 potatoes, cubed
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3 onions, chopped
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3 ½ tablespoons tapioca (the secret thickener!)
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2 cubes beef bouillon
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⅛ teaspoon each: dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried marjoram
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¼ cup red wine (any drinking red you like)
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1 (10 ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Oven Method (Traditional):
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Prep & Combine: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). In a large Dutch oven, combine the beef, canned tomatoes (with their juice), celery, carrots, potatoes, and onions. Sprinkle the tapioca, crumbled beef bouillon cubes, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram over everything. Pour in the red wine and give it a good stir.
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Slow Bake: Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake slowly for 5 to 6 hours. This low-and-slow cooking is what makes the beef incredibly tender.
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Finish with Peas: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the thawed green peas. This keeps their color bright and texture perfect.
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Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Slow Cooker Method (For Ultimate Ease):
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Combine in Crock: Place all ingredients except the peas into your slow cooker insert. Stir well to combine.
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Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
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Add Peas: Stir in the peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
🍽️ Chef's Notes & Serving Suggestions
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The Tapioca Trick: Don't skip the tapioca! It thickens the stew to a beautiful, glossy consistency without making it floury.
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Make-Ahead Magic: This is the ultimate make-ahead Christmas dinner. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently on the stovetop.
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Perfect Pairings: Serve this classic beef stew with a simple mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette and a loaf of crusty, warm bread or flaky biscuits to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Holiday Table
This Christmas Eve Beef Stew isn't just food; it's a holiday family tradition in a pot. It solves the dilemma of what to serve for a crowd-pleasing Christmas Eve dinner that is both elegant in its simplicity and effortless to prepare. By choosing this easy holiday meal, you gift yourself more time to decorate cookies, watch movies, or simply relax by the tree with loved ones.
The wonderful simplicity and profound comfort of this dish are exactly the kind of cooking I celebrate on tfgogogo.com. My blog is dedicated to sharing recipes that create moments of joy and connection. If you loved this timeless stew and are looking for more inspiration—from festive mains to cozy sides and desserts—I invite you to click over and explore the full collection. Find your next favorite comfort food recipe with us!
For more family-friendly recipes and holiday cooking tips, visit the blog at tfgogogo.com. Don't forget to save or print this recipe for your annual Christmas planning!
