Birthday Sale Up to 40% off! Shop now

Classic Beef Stew

Microwave beef stew made in an Anyday dish with tender beef, potatoes, and onions for a hearty, flavorful meal.
PT8M PT22M

Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

22-25 mins

Free Time

to find a four-leaf clover

Need help?

Classic Beef Stew

Be the first to review this recipe!

Cook a hearty beef stew in the microwave for tender meat and rich, savory broth in a fraction of the time. With an Anyday Deep Dish, the microwave quickly softens vegetables and simmers beef to perfection. It's an easy, hands-off way to enjoy classic comfort food without the wait.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

Recommended Products

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Medium Shallow Dish

Look no further for making poached eggs, desserts, dips, and small portions of meat or fish.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2
  • 1-2
  • 2-4
  • 4-6
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup (80ml) beef or chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1½ teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 oz (225g) top blade steak, cut into 1/2” pieces
  • ½ bay leaf
  • 2 cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1  (30g)small carrot, peeled and sliced
  • ¼ cup (30g) frozen pearl onions
  • 4 baby potatoes

Preparation

  1. Place the stock, tomato paste, oil, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt in an Anyday dish and stir to combine.
  2. Add the steak, bay leaf, mushrooms, carrots, and onions, then mix to coat with the cooking liquid. Arrange the baby potatoes on top. Cover with the lid, ensuring the knob is lifted.
  3. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 6
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 22-25 minutes, or until the meat and veggies are tender. Note: The cook time may vary depending on the cut of meat. Continue cooking at the same power level until the meat is tender, adding 1/4 cup of extra liquid if needed.
  4. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The stew will thicken as it cools.  Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Suggestions

  • Over creamy polenta: Serve over creamy polenta for a comforting, filling meal.
  • With rice or quinoa: Pair with fluffy white rice or quinoa to absorb the rich sauce.
  • With cornbread: For a sweet and savory contrast, serve with a side of cornbread and softened butter.
  • Add peas: Stir in a 1/4 cup of frozen peas 2 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
  • Discover more stews and casseroles by exploring our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • For a stew reminiscent of Beef Bourguignon, start by cooking some bacon to add depth of flavor before adding the rest of the ingredients. A splash of red wine will bring it even closer to the classic dish. This will create a rich, savory base that enhances the beef beautifully.
  • Swap the bay leaf for 1 sprig of fresh thyme if desired.
  • If you're using a tougher cut of beef, try adding a pinch of baking soda. Baking soda can help tenderize the meat by breaking down the proteins.
  • Don't use London broil or beef chuck in this recipe as they will turn out too dry.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Classic Beef Stew

What is classic beef stew?

Classic beef stew is pure comfort food! Beef and hearty veggies (carrots, potatoes, onions) cook together in a rich, savory broth. It’s the ultimate one-pot wonder, perfect for chilly days and cozy nights.

Can I cook beef stew in the microwave?

With an Anyday dish, you can whip up beef stew in the microwave. Beef and veggies simmer gently when cooked at a lower power level. You get that slow-cooked taste—minus the wait (or the need for a slow cooker!).

Why lower the power level?

. A lower power level achieves melt-in-your-mouth tenderness while keeping the veggies intact. potatoes here! Plus, it builds that deep, rich flavor you’d expect from a stovetop stew.

How do I know when beef stew is done?

The stew is done when the beef is fork-tender, and the veggies are soft but not mushy. The broth should be rich and slightly thickened. If the beef’s still a little tough, keep cooking in 5-minute increments until it’s just right.

Can I use different cuts of beef?

Absolutely! Chuck roast is a stew staple, but in the microwave, it can dry out. Instead, go for top blade (flat iron), tri-tip, or sirloin. These cuts stay juicy and tender, so you get all the hearty goodness—just way faster.

Can I swap out the veggies?

For sure! You can also use celery, parsnips, or mushrooms. If you’re adding softer veggies like peas or green beans, toss them in at the end so they don’t turn to mush.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the stew cool, then pop the lid on your Anyday dish and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bonus: it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Can I freeze beef stew?

Yep! Freeze it in our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays or directly in an Anyday dish. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When hunger strikes, reheat straight from frozen—no thawing needed!

Best way to reheat?

  • The best way to reheat beef stew from the fridge is to microwave in an Anyday dish, covered, on full power for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • The best way to reheat beef stew from frozen is to cover and microwave on full power for 6-8 minutes, stirring now and then for even heating. Get more freezing and reheating tips on our blog.

Is beef stew gluten-free?

Yes, this beef stew is gluten-free! We use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken it. Just double-check your broth and Worcestershire sauce—some brands sneak in gluten. Look for a gluten-free label if needed!

Want more easy recipes?

More recipes

What Customers Are Saying

© 2025 Anyday Meyer Corporation, U.S. 2023. 
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa