Easy beef stew makes for a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed with crusty rolls as well as biscuits and makes for a hearty meal. In another variation, try adding barley to the stew, and there is an altogether different dish ready in minutes. The easy beef stew makes use of ingredients like sliced bacon, olive oil, stew beef, flour, salt, pepper, mushrooms, celery, onions, broth, carrot, turnip, potato and green peas.