Beef Stew
Date Completed: 1/15/2026
Book: Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines
Chapter: Dinner
Overall Score: 12/12
Recommended? Over the past few years, every time I’ve made a new beef stew recipe, I’ve silently asked it, “Are you the one?” The one that becomes the go-to, comforting dish for any chilly day. I’ve made a lot of just-okay beef stew. But this recipe. It really might be the one! Look at that perfect overall score! I even jotted down a (very unserious) poem about it while we were eating. I think you should make it, too! And maybe write a poem while you’re at it?
Snow falling
Fireplace crackling
Stew bubbling
Cornbread steaming
Winter bliss.
Process Report:
Process Score: 3 - Quick or Easy
Truthfully, I changed the description of a 3 from “Quick & Easy” or “Quick or Easy” to make this work, but I stand by the update.
I bought beef stew chunks from the butcher counter, so there was minimal prep for this recipe. Just a quick chop of onion, carrots, and celery while I browned the beef in (plenty of) butter.
You then add those vegetables right into the pot with the beef to soften, season it all, and add the remaining ingredients: beef stock, a can of corn, a can of fire-roasted tomatoes, and a cubed russet potato.
In the recipe itself, Joanna says this just needs to simmer for about an hour and fifteen minutes. In the headnote above it, she mentions that she typically lets it simmer all day. I found a happy medium at about two hours of simmering. About an hour in, I pulled out some of the broth and whisked it with a few extra tablespoons of flour to thicken it (my variation). A few minutes before serving, you add in some frozen peas.
Taste Report:
Taste Score: 3 - Special
As mentioned above, I loved this stew! The beef was fall-apart tender, there was a great variety of vegetables, and the broth was thick and well-seasoned. All lovely aspects! A bowlful had just the right amount of each component.
The original recipe has a jalapeño cornbread accompaniment, but I baked my own buttermilk cornbread recipe in a muffin tin. That cornbread makes anything extra special!
Mess Report:
Mess Score: 3 - Minimal
Truly not bad at all! I love an easy cleanup!
Leftover Report:
Leftover Score: 3 - Feast
It just got better and better in the refrigerator throughout the rest of the week! I’m sure I could have frozen this, but I had no need.
So there you go: make this beef stew and enjoy a bowl of cozy winter bliss!
Love, Paula KS
More from Magnolia Table
Soups & Salads: Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Breakfast: Cinnamon Squares
Appetizers & Starters: Guacamole
Desserts: Strawberry Shortcake (sweet version of Jojo’s Biscuits)