Beef Stew: A Five-Hour Oven Recipe

A hearty beef stew is slow-cooked to perfection, filling your kitchen with rich, comforting aromas. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a cozy day when you have a little extra time to let the flavors develop.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 25 min

Cook Time 5 hr 5 min

Total Time 5 hr 30 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/8

1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ½ (10.5 ounce) can water 1 pound cubed beef stew meat 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 medium onions, diced 1 cup celery, cut into 1/2-inch slices 1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste salt and ground black pepper to taste

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect for slow cooking, allowing the beef to become tender and full of flavor. The long cooking time helps all the ingredients meld together, creating a rich and comforting meal. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

Helpful Tips For Cooking

- Use a heavy, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution.
- Brown the beef well before adding liquids to develop deeper flavor.
- Check the stew occasionally to make sure it’s not drying out; add a splash of broth or water if needed.

Step 1

Heat your oven to 250°F (120°C). While that’s warming up, pour the mushroom soup and water into a saucepan and gently heat it over low, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 2

In a large casserole dish, spread out the beef, then pour the hot soup mixture over it and give everything a good toss to coat the meat evenly. Next, add your chopped potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery right on top. Sprinkle in some garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 3

Cover the dish with a lid or foil, then pop it in the oven. Let it cook slowly for about five hours, or until the beef is tender and everything is cooked through. When it’s ready, give it a gentle stir and serve warm.

Serving Ideas To Try

Serve with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side will add freshness and balance the richness of the stew.

Storage Instructions

Let the stew cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to preserve the texture and flavor.

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By Lucas Bennett

Food Writer

Lucas creates approachable recipes that balance flavor, simplicity, and reliability.