What the heck is this?
This is not that dusty little packet you found in the back of your pantry that expired in 2019. This is rich, savory, herby magic in a jar — the kind of blend that makes your beef stew taste like it simmered all day in your grandma’s kitchen, even if you tossed it in the slow cooker before heading out. It’s got everything: warmth from paprika, depth from garlic and onion, a little kick from black pepper, and those earthy, cozy herbs that scream “blanket weather.” Whip up a batch, store it in a jar, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Makes every beef stew taste like a cozy hug in a bowl
No preservatives, weird fillers, or mystery “spices”
Easy to double or triple for future stew cravings
Customizable — dial up the heat or herbiness depending on your vibe
Not just for stew — sprinkle it on pot roast, grilled meat, or even roasted veggies
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp paprika (regular or smoked — your call)
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp celery seed (optional but adds a great savory note)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a subtle kick)
• 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (helps thicken the stew while it simmers)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Mix It Up
Grab a small bowl or jar and combine all ingredients. Stir well to make sure everything’s evenly distributed.
Step 2: Store It
Pour your mix into an airtight jar or spice container. Label it like a pro (no mystery jars here). Store in a cool, dry place — it’ll keep for 6 months or longer, but let’s be real, you’ll use it way before then.
Step 3: Use It Like a Boss
For every 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef, use 2 to 3 tablespoons of this seasoning mix. Brown the beef first, then toss in the seasoning before adding broth, veggies, and whatever else your stew heart desires.
Serving Suggestions
Use it in traditional beef stew with carrots, potatoes, and onions
Try it in the slow cooker with chuck roast and root veggies
Sprinkle on oven-roasted potatoes for a bold side
Toss with ground beef for an instant flavor upgrade in shepherd’s pie
Switch It Up
Add 1/2 tsp ground cloves or allspice for a warm, wintry twist
Use smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex stew
Add 1 tsp cocoa powder for richness (yep — it works)
Go gluten-free by swapping flour with cornstarch or skipping entirely
Make-Ahead Tips
Mix a big batch and portion into jars for easy weeknight use
Make a stew “kit” with the seasoning mix, a bay leaf, and a beef bouillon cube
Add it to a meal prep plan so you’re never scrambling to season dinner again
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I leave out the salt?
A: Sure! Just reduce or skip it if you’re watching sodium — you can always salt to taste while cooking.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead?
A: Not in the mix — it’s meant to be shelf-stable. But feel free to toss in fresh thyme or rosemary while the stew simmers.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: Not really, unless you add those red pepper flakes. Keep it mild or crank it up depending on your crew’s heat tolerance.
Q: Can I use this in other dishes?
A: Absolutely. It’s killer on roasted chicken, slow cooker pot roast, or stirred into gravy for meatballs.
Homemade Beef Stew Seasoning: Your Cozy Bowl’s Secret Weapon
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1/3 cup
Description
This is not that dusty little packet you found in the back of your pantry that expired in 2019. This is rich, savory, herby magic in a jar — the kind of blend that makes your beef stew taste like it simmered all day in your grandma’s kitchen, even if you tossed it in the slow cooker before heading out. It’s got everything: warmth from paprika, depth from garlic and onion, a little kick from black pepper, and those earthy, cozy herbs that scream “blanket weather.” Whip up a batch, store it in a jar, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp paprika (regular or smoked — your call)
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp celery seed (optional but adds a great savory note)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a subtle kick)
• 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (helps thicken the stew while it simmers)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix It Up
Grab a small bowl or jar and combine all ingredients. Stir well to make sure everything’s evenly distributed.
Step 2: Store It
Pour your mix into an airtight jar or spice container. Label it like a pro (no mystery jars here). Store in a cool, dry place — it’ll keep for 6 months or longer, but let’s be real, you’ll use it way before then.
Step 3: Use It Like a Boss
For every 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef, use 2 to 3 tablespoons of this seasoning mix. Brown the beef first, then toss in the seasoning before adding broth, veggies, and whatever else your stew heart desires.
Notes
Use it in traditional beef stew with carrots, potatoes, and onions
Try it in the slow cooker with chuck roast and root veggies
Sprinkle on oven-roasted potatoes for a bold side
Toss with ground beef for an instant flavor upgrade in shepherd’s pie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~20 kcal