Quick & Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe For Cozy Nights

Hearty beef stew carries memories of grandma’s kitchen and warm comfort on chilly evenings.

Our classic recipe brings traditional flavors with a delightful twist that makes everyone lean in.

Tender chunks of meat slowly simmer in rich, deep broth, creating layers of incredible taste.

Carefully selected ingredients promise a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Robust seasonings dance through each spoonful, telling stories of rustic cooking traditions.

Seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition to this timeless dish.

Each bite promises pure, satisfying goodness that connects you to generations of home cooking.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Yes, chuck roast or stew meat work best. They have enough fat and connective tissue to become tender during slow cooking.

• Is it necessary to brown the meat before simmering?

Absolutely. Browning creates a rich, deep flavor called the Maillard reaction, which adds complexity to the stew’s taste.

• What if I don't want to use red wine?

You can substitute with additional beef broth or grape juice. The key is maintaining liquid volume for proper cooking.

• How can I make the stew more thick or thin?

To thicken, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew. For a thinner consistency, add more broth during simmering.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew: A Timeless Comfort

• Craft Comfort: Dive into a classic stew that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for satisfying deep hunger cravings.
• Master Simple Cooking: Enjoy an uncomplicated recipe with basic ingredients that transforms into a rich, hearty meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Designed to feed multiple people, this stew brings families and friends together around a delicious, filling dish that everyone will love.
• Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single pot cooking method that delivers maximum flavor and minimal kitchen mess, making meal preparation stress-free.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Beef Cubes: A hearty protein that provides the main substance and rich flavor of the stew.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Pepper: A classic coating mixture that helps create a golden crust on the beef and thickens the stew's sauce.

• Onions, Garlic, Celery: Foundational vegetables that build a deep, savory base flavor for the stew.
• Carrots, Potatoes: Robust root vegetables that add sweetness and provide substantial texture to the dish.

• Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps tenderize the meat and creates the stew's rich base.
• Red Wine: An optional ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated ingredient that enhances the stew's richness and provides a subtle tangy undertone.
• Bay Leaves, Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that infuse the stew with traditional, comforting flavors.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Step-by-Step Old Fashioned Beef Stew Instructions

Step 1: Coat the Beef

Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Roll beef cubes in the seasoned flour mixture until completely covered, ensuring an even coating that will help create a delicious crust.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Brown beef in batches, allowing each piece to develop a rich golden-brown exterior.

This process takes about 4-5 minutes per batch.

Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped celery

Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious aromatics.

Step 4: Create Depth of Flavor

Stir in tomato paste and pour red wine into the pot.

Cook for 2 minutes, scraping up the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

These caramelized pieces will add incredible richness to the stew.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

• Beef broth
• Chopped carrots
• Diced potatoes
• Bay leaves
• Fresh thyme
• Rosemary

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

Cover and let simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

The meat should become incredibly tender and vegetables perfectly soft.

Step 6: Perfect the Seasoning

Remove bay leaves.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Choose well-marbled chuck roast or bottom round for maximum tenderness and rich flavor without excessive fat.
• Shake excess flour off beef cubes before browning to prevent burning and ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
• Include red wine to enhance the stew's complexity, creating deeper, more robust flavor profiles that complement the meat's richness.
• Maintain a gentle simmer during cooking, allowing connective tissues to break down slowly and transform tough meat into meltingly tender bites.
• Add potatoes and carrots later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain their ideal texture and nutritional value.

Variations on Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Lean Protein Switch: Replace beef with chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein cubes for a lighter, healthier version of the stew.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and root vegetables, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Remove potatoes and replace with cauliflower chunks or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, hands-off meal preparation.

Serving Recommendations for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Cozy Bread Companion: Slice up a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough to soak up the rich, savory stew broth, adding a delightful textural contrast to each hearty spoonful.
• Rustic Side Kick: Pair the stew with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to create a comforting, filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the stew's deep, meaty flavors and provides a pop of color.
• Wine Harmony: Serve alongside a glass of robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which complements the beef's richness and enhances the overall dining experience.

Storage Advice for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Store leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Place stew in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Pour stew into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot and steaming.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty old fashioned beef stew delivers classic comfort from generations of home cooking. Robust beef, tender vegetables, and rich broth create a memorable meal perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, sliced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Dust beef cubes thoroughly with seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
2. Sear meat in hot olive oil over medium-high heat (375°F), working in batches to achieve deep golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per batch.
3. Using same pot, quickly sauté aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate tomato paste, then deglaze with optional red wine, scraping accumulated browned bits from pot bottom to develop rich flavor profile.
5. Combine seared beef with remaining ingredients: beef broth, root vegetables, herbs like bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Reduce heat to low, cover, and gently simmer for 2-2.5 hours until meat becomes fork-tender and vegetables are completely soft.
6. Carefully remove herb stems and bay leaves, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
7. Ladle stew into warm serving bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, and accompany with crusty artisan bread for a hearty meal.

Notes

• Dust beef cubes carefully in flour mixture to ensure even coating, preventing clumping and promoting better browning.
• Brown meat in small batches to maintain high pot temperature, creating delicious caramelized exterior and locking in rich flavors.
• Use robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance depth and complexity of stew’s taste profile.
• Consider making stew one day ahead, allowing flavors to meld and develop more intense, harmonious taste when reheated.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 366 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 678 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg