My simple beef stew seasoning uses all the best herbs and spices so you can make a beef stew that is out-of-this-world delicious! This multipurpose stew seasoning is perfect for enhancing a variety of red meats, so keep some on hand for whenever the need arises!
In a matter of minutes, make your own beef stew seasoning that tastes better and costs less than the packages!
Nothing warms the soul like a hearty serving of beef stew. Melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef in a savory broth with an assortment of tender veggies, it's one of my all-time favorite comfort foods.
There are a few different methods of cooking beef stew, and the vegetables are always flexible, but one thing never changes- the need for the perfect beef stew seasoning! No matter the ingredients, if the seasoning is off, so is your stew.
Jump to:
My beef stew seasoning is straightforward, with no fuss, and it will do the job better than anything you buy in the store. Don't just take my word for it, try it out for yourself!
🥘 Ingredients
This stew seasoning yields a classic beef stew just like mom used to make. It's made up of simple ingredients, it's just a matter of mixing the proper amounts!
- 1 ½ tablespoons Kosher Salt - If you don't have kosher salt, use ¾ tablespoon table salt.
- ½ tablespoon Ground Black Pepper - more or less to taste.
- ½ tablespoon Garlic Powder - Garlic lovers can add a bit more if desired, or combine it with some fresh minced garlic!
- ½ tablespoon Paprika - Try smoked paprika for a smokier stew.
- ½ tablespoon Onion Powder - Alternatively you could use 1 ½ tablespoons of dried, minced onion but the powder has more flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Basil - This would be the equivalent of 2 tablespoons of fresh basil if that's what you have on hand.
- 2 teaspoons Celery Salt - If you don't have celery salt, try one of these alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon Oregano - Check out my list of oregano substitutions if you find yourself without.
- ¼ teaspoon Rosemary - A pinch of rosemary goes a long way. If you don't have any on hand, there are other options.
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper - Enough to give it flavor, but not enough to make it spicy.
Optional Ingredients (Use One or the Other)
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Sage - Of the two options, this is my favorite.
- ¼ teaspoon Marjoram - Marjoram tastes similar to thyme, but a tad bit sweeter with a stronger aroma.
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts & instructions!*
🔪 Instructions
This recipe is as simple as finding the right ingredients and mixing them together. Measuring is key here, so don't try to eyeball anything!
- Measure. First, measure out each ingredient and add it to a small mixing bowl. (1 ½ tablespoons salt, ½ tablespoon pepper, ½ tablespoon garlic powder, ½ tablespoon onion powder, ½ tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons basil, 2 teaspoons celery salt, 1 teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon rosemary, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper plus either of the optional herbs, ¼ teaspoon ground sage or marjoram).
- Mix. Mix well until all the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the blend. If you would like a super-fine consistency, you may use a spice or coffee grinder to break down the herbs, but it is not essential.
- Make beef stew. Use half of the mixed beef stew seasoning to season a beef stew recipe with approximately 4 cups of broth (and 1-2 pounds beef). I suggest adding 2 bay leaves to your stew as it cooks, but be sure to remove them before serving.
This recipe yields 5 ¼ tablespoons of seasoning (with one of the optional ingredients, otherwise the yield is 5 tablespoons). This is enough for 2 beef stew recipes.
🥡 Storing
Store your seasoning in an airtight container, then place it in a cool, dark area like a cabinet or pantry. This keeps moisture out and keeps it from clumping.
The seasoning should be used within 3 months. Make sure to shake and combine herbs and spices before using after storing.
🧂 More Great Seasoning Mixes!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📖 Recipe Card
Beef Stew Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoon Kosher salt (or use ¾ tablespoon table salt)
- ½ tablespoon ground black pepper
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon basil
- 2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Optional Ingredients (One or the Other)
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage (my favorite)
- ¼ teaspoon marjoram
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Measure out your herbs and spices into a small bowl (salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, paprika, basil, celery salt, oregano, rosemary, cayenne pepper plus either of the optional herbs, ground sage or marjoram).
- Mix well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices throughout the blend. You can use a spice or coffee grinder to break down the herbs into a super-fine consistency if desired.
- Use half of the mixed beef stew seasoning to season a beef stew recipe with approximately 4 cups of broth (and 1-2 pounds beef).
Notes
- Yields 5.25 tablespoons of seasoning (with one of the optional ingredients, otherwise the yield is 5 tablespoons).
- Enough to season two beef stew recipes.
- Store any unused seasoning in an airtight container, preferably in a cool, dark storage area.
- Shake to evenly distribute the seasoning blend after storing (before using any remaining portion).
- I suggest adding 2 bay leaves to your beef stew seasoning blend when making a stew.
- There is no thickening agent in this spice blend. If your recipe does not have any flour mentioned, start with a slurry of 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 3 tablespoons cold water. Whisk until smooth then whisk into your stew. Bring the stew to a simmer to thicken. Adjust as needed, adding small amounts after that as your stew will thicken quickly.
Teresa Stauble says
This worked exactly as written, thanks! And my husband loved it. He said he normally doesn't like beef stew but this seasoning made a ton of difference!
Lee says
Before seeing that the recipe was enough for 2 stew recipes I used all of it in my stew. It was delicious! My husband and I both love it so I will continue to do this. Thank you for a great recipe!
Sheryl says
I have found my beef stew seasoning! I did not find it to be too salty like other reviewers, but I will cut back with the cayenne pepper. It was a touchy spicy for me, not my husband. I am so happy that I do not need to use a beef stew seasoning packet anymore. Thank you!
Helen Batiste says
Great recipe with excellent seasonings. Thank you for sharing.
Anonymous says
Excellent seasoning mix
Courtney says
I reduced the salt by half. This is a perfect blend of seasonings for stew. Thank you for the recipe.
Nina says
I really loved the flavor but was much to salty for me. Will try again with less salt.
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Did you opt for the lower amount of table salt? Glad to hear that you enjoyed the seasoning flavor! 🙂
Margie says
Thank you , you presented these spices well. Went right to ingredients and easy to follow. Thank you
Diane says
Great recipe. On my second pot of stew. Cayenne made it a little spicy for me. So I'll be using a little less next time. But so good.
Lorna Antilla says
Love this blend! No more oxo cubes for my stew! I used to put most of these spices along with oxo and no salt but this blend is so much better! Thanks for sharing
Carrie says
This seasoning mix tastes great but is really on the salty side. Next time I will cut both salts in half. Thank you for sharing!
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
Thank you for your input, everyone is different when it comes to "how much salt" 🙂 So glad you enjoyed the seasoning though!