The Heartwarming Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe You Need Now

Comfort arrives with this hearty beef stew that whispers tales of grandma’s kitchen and warmth.

Robust flavors merge in a single pot, creating a symphony of tender meat and rich vegetables.

Thick gravy coats each morsel, promising deep satisfaction with every spoonful.

Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a miraculous meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Cold evenings demand this classic dish that connects generations through its timeless appeal.

Gather around the table and savor each carefully simmered bite of pure, rustic deliciousness.

You won’t want to miss this soul-satisfying recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Why Old Fashioned Beef Stew Shines

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A classic beef stew that wraps you in warm, rich flavors perfect for satisfying hunger and bringing families together around the dinner table.
• Master Slow-Cooking Magic: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for personalization with additional vegetables or herbs, making it adaptable to seasonal ingredients and personal taste preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with this single-pot cooking method, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Beef Stew Important Ingredients

• Beef Chuck: A tender and flavorful cut perfect for slow-cooking stews.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a rich flavor base for the stew.
• Carrots, Potatoes: Classic root vegetables that add hearty texture and nutrients to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Provides a deep, savory liquid that helps tenderize the meat and create a delicious sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning meat and sautéing vegetables to develop deeper flavors.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a subtle tangy richness to the stew.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a complex, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle herbal note to the stew.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the stew and create a smooth, rich sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the completed dish.

Instructions for Classic Beef Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef chunks and brown them on all sides until a golden crust forms.

This step locks in the rich, meaty flavors. Transfer the browned beef to a separate plate.

Step 2: Develop Aromatic Base

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pot. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet, fragrant notes.

Step 3: Create Thickening Roux

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a golden base for the stew.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

Gradually pour in beef broth while continuously stirring. This technique prevents any lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Combine Stew Ingredients

• Chopped carrots
• Diced potatoes
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Slow Simmer to Perfection

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and let simmer for 2-3 hours. The long, slow cooking process helps tenderize the beef and meld all the flavors together.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Remove the bay leaf. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot in deep bowls with crusty bread.

Expert Advice for Beef Stew

• Trim excess fat from beef for a leaner stew and better texture while cooking.
• Pat beef dry before browning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Chop vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Let the stew rest for 15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and meat to become more tender.

New Takes on Traditional Beef Stew

• Vegetarian Stew Swap: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based protein chunks for a meat-free version.
• Slow Cooker Option: Transfer ingredients to a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours for hands-off preparation.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure broth is gluten-free certified.

Ideal Sides for Beef Stew

• Cozy Farmhouse Comfort: Serve this hearty beef stew in a rustic ceramic bowl for that warm, homemade feel that transports you to a countryside kitchen.
• Winter Warming Station: Pair the stew with thick, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the rich, savory broth, creating a complete and satisfying meal perfect for cold evenings.
• One-Pot Family Feast: Transform this classic stew into a family-style dinner by placing the entire pot in the center of the table, letting everyone serve themselves and enjoy the communal dining experience.
• Gourmet Twist Plating: Elevate the presentation by serving the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta, adding an extra layer of comfort and texture to the dish.

FAQs

• Why do I need to brown the beef first?

Browning the beef creates a rich, caramelized exterior that adds deep flavor and helps seal in the meat’s juices, giving the stew a more complex and delicious taste.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

While beef is traditional, you can substitute chuck roast, stew meat, or even lamb for a similar hearty result. Just ensure the meat is well-marbled and cut into similar-sized chunks.

• What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and vinegar. These alternatives will still provide a similar umami and tangy flavor profile to your stew.

Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty old fashioned beef stew from Midwestern kitchens delivers comfort in each spoonful. Rich beef chunks, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmer together, creating a classic meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 4 large potatoes, diced
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings and Extras:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and thoroughly sear beef cubes until golden brown on all exterior surfaces, creating a rich caramelized crust.
2. Transfer browned meat to a temporary plate, leaving behind flavorful drippings in the pot.
3. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same pot until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Dust flour over the aromatic vegetables, stirring continuously to coat and prevent burning, which helps thicken the stew’s base.
5. Gradually pour beef broth into the pot, whisking methodically to eliminate potential flour clumps and create a smooth liquid foundation.
6. Reintroduce seared beef to the pot, then incorporate carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
7. Elevate temperature to achieve a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing the stew to simmer gently for 2-2.5 hours.
8. Periodically check liquid levels and beef tenderness, adjusting heat if necessary to maintain a consistent, gentle bubbling.
9. Once meat becomes fork-tender and vegetables are soft, remove bay leaf and allow stew to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
10. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added brightness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Perfectly brown the beef at high heat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in deep flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust.
• Choose tough, well-marbled cuts like chuck roast or bottom round for maximum tenderness and rich beef flavor during the long, slow cooking process.
• Resist stirring too frequently while simmering to allow the stew to develop complex, layered flavors and prevent breaking down the meat’s texture.
• Customize the stew by adding root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra depth, or make it gluten-free by substituting cornstarch for flour when thickening.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 354 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg