Old‑Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

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Old‑Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

This hearty stew is a timeless comfort food, slow‑simmered until the beef is tender and the vegetables are infused with rich, savory flavor. Perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or whenever you crave a nourishing, rustic dish.

ℹ️ About this Recipe

Beef stew has been a staple across cultures for centuries. This old‑fashioned version uses simple ingredients — beef chuck, root vegetables, herbs, and broth — simmered together to create a deep, satisfying flavor. It’s a dish that improves with time, often tasting even better the next day.

🍳 Kitchen Items

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Ladle
  • Serving bowls

🧾 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1‑inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 medium potatoes, cubed
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 cup peas (optional, added at the end)
  • 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

📝 Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef – Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Add beef cubes in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Build the Base – Add onion and garlic to the pot, sauté until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Deglaze – Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom to release browned bits.
  4. Simmer – Return beef to the pot. Add broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover and simmer gently for 1½ hours.
  5. Add Vegetables – Stir in potatoes, carrots, and celery. Continue cooking for 30–40 minutes until tender.
  6. Finish – Add peas in the last 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves. For thicker stew, whisk flour with water and stir in before serving.
  7. Serve – Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread.

🔥 Method

Brown → Build → Deglaze → Simmer → Add Veggies → Finish → Serve.

💡 Tips

  • Brown beef in small batches to avoid steaming.
  • For richer flavor, use homemade beef stock.
  • Add parsnips or turnips for extra depth.
  • Stew tastes even better the next day — refrigerate and reheat gently.

🥗 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: ~380
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg

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