Looking for a comforting, soul-warming meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is your answer! This recipe delivers a rich, flavorful stew perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying family dinner. It’s a classic for a reason, providing hearty nourishment and endless variations to suit your taste.
What is Old-Fashioned Beef Stew?
Old-fashioned beef stew is a timeless dish simmered low and slow, allowing tender chunks of beef and vegetables to meld into a symphony of savory flavors. It’s a one-pot wonder, traditionally featuring beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a flavorful broth enriched with herbs and spices.
Unlike more modern variations, classic beef stew often uses simple ingredients readily available in most kitchens, creating a deeply satisfying and comforting meal that evokes feelings of home and nostalgia. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and ability to warm you from the inside out, making it a quintessential comfort food. Are you ready to experience the warmth and flavor of this classic dish? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes: Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, which renders during cooking and adds rich flavor and tenderness.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- 1 large Onion, chopped: Adds a foundational savory flavor.
- 2 Carrots, peeled and chopped: Contributes sweetness and texture.
- 2 Celery Stalks, chopped: Provides aromatic depth.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for robust flavor.
- 4 cups Beef Broth: Forms the base of the stew, enriching it with beefy goodness. Use low-sodium to control the salt level.
- 1 cup Red Wine (optional): Adds complexity and depth of flavor. A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well.
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste: Enhances the savory flavor and adds a touch of acidity.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme: A classic herb that complements beef and vegetables.
- 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary: Adds a subtle piney aroma and flavor.
- 1 Bay Leaf: Infuses the stew with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving!
- 1.5 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and cubed: Adds heartiness and thickens the stew.
- 1 cup Frozen Peas (optional): Adds a touch of sweetness and color. Added towards the end of cooking.
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (optional, for thickening): Helps thicken the stew if desired.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Beef Stew:
This is an easy, delicious, and satisfying recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner! The key lies in the long, slow simmer that allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together. The rich, savory broth and hearty vegetables create a comforting and nourishing meal. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 2-3 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper. This ensures a good sear and enhances the flavor.
Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear on all sides until browned. This locks in the juices and creates a rich, flavorful crust. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Garlic and Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. This blooms the spices and releases their flavors.
Deglaze the Pot: If using, pour the red wine into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds depth of flavor to the stew. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged. Add the bay leaf.
Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Longer cooking times result in more tender beef and enhanced flavor.
Add Potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot during the last 45 minutes of cooking time. This ensures the potatoes are cooked through but not mushy.
Thicken the Stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk the all-purpose flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. Cook until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
Add Peas (optional): Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking time, if using.
Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew:
This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is a true winner because of its deeply satisfying flavor. The slow simmering process transforms tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while the combination of hearty vegetables and rich broth creates a comforting and nourishing meal. Making beef stew at home is also a budget-friendly option compared to ordering it at a restaurant, allowing you to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and a bay leaf elevates the flavor profile, adding layers of complexity that make this stew truly special.
If you’re looking for another classic comfort food option, consider trying my Chicken Noodle Soup. While that’s lighter, this beef stew provides a richer and heartier experience. Ready to create your own pot of delicious comfort? Give this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe a try today!
What to Serve Old-Fashioned Beef Stew With:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Mashed Potatoes: Adds an extra layer of comfort and richness.
- Side Salad: For a light and refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
- Cornbread: A classic pairing that complements the savory flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting Old-Fashioned Beef Stew:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot When Searing the Beef: Searing in batches ensures the beef browns properly and develops a rich flavor. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead, resulting in a less flavorful stew.
- Use Quality Beef Broth: The flavor of your broth will significantly impact the taste of your stew. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt level and use a high-quality brand for the best flavor. You can also use homemade beef broth for an even richer taste.
- Adjust the Vegetables to Your Preference: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables to the stew. Mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes are all great additions.
- Don’t Skip the Browning Step: Searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables are crucial for developing the rich, complex flavors of the stew.
- Low and Slow is Key: The longer the stew simmers, the more tender the beef will become and the more the flavors will meld together. Be patient and allow the stew to simmer for at least 2 hours for the best results.
- If Stew is too thin : you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir in to thicken stew.
5 Facts about Old-Fashioned Beef Stew:
- Beef stew dates back to ancient times.
- Every culture has their own version, adding unique ingredients and spices.
- Traditionally, tough cuts of meat are used.
- The long cooking time helps tenderize the meat.
- Beef Stew provides a complete meal, containing protein, nutrients, and carbohydrates.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the stew to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, simply place the stew in a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat the stew in the microwave. Reheat in microwave-safe bowl.
Final Thoughts:
This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that evokes warmth and nostalgia. With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory broth, it’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends on a chilly day. I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own pot of delicious comfort!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew FAQs:
Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the potatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: While this is a beef stew recipe, to make it vegetarian, substitute the beef with mushrooms, lentils, or other hearty beans for a vegan version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q: What kind of potatoes are best for beef stew?
A: Russet potatoes are a great option because they hold their shape well during cooking and help thicken the stew. Yukon Gold potatoes are another good choice for their creamy texture.
Q: Can I add beer to the stew?
A: Certainly. Adding 1 cup of stout beer will enhance the depth of flavors in your stew