Old Fashioned Beef Stew

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of rich, savory stew to warm your soul and fill your home with an aroma that whispers “comfort.” This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a timeless classic, packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth that will transport you straight back to Grandma’s kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Beef Stew

This isn’t just any stew; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl! Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s the quintessential dish for chilly evenings, offering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
• Rich, Savory Flavor: Slow simmering allows the beef and vegetables to meld, creating an incredibly deep and nuanced taste profile.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with tender beef and robust vegetables like potatoes and carrots, it’s a complete meal that truly satisfies.
• Nutrient-Packed: Enjoy a wholesome meal rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from all those delicious vegetables.
• Feeds a Crowd: This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, easily scaling up if you need more.
• Great for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it ideal for leftovers throughout the week.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You’ll appreciate the straightforward list of fresh, real food components.
• Family-Friendly: A universally loved dish, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds of this classic beef stew.

Ingredients Needed for Your Hearty Beef Stew

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a magnificent stew. Quality matters here!

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil: A good quality oil for browning.
• 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed: Opt for chuck roast or a similar cut for best results, as it becomes incredibly tender with slow cooking.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Provides a foundational sweetness and aroma. Choose a firm, unblemished onion.
• 4 carrots, sliced: Look for firm, bright orange carrots for sweetness and color.
• 4 potatoes, cubed: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well and absorb the rich flavors.
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth: Use a high-quality broth for the deepest flavor. Low-sodium is a great option so you can control the salt.
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce: Adds a touch of acidity and richness to the stew.
• 2 teaspoons (10g) dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, essential for classic stew flavor.
• 2 teaspoons (10g) dried rosemary: Woody and fragrant, complements beef beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt: Adjust to your taste preference, especially if using salted broth.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper: Freshly ground makes a difference!
• 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour: Used to create a thickening slurry for that perfect stew consistency.
• 1 cup (240ml) water: For creating the thickening slurry.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Roasted Garlic Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, garlicky potatoes are the perfect partner for this savory stew.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Beef Stew

Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here are a few things you’ll need:

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• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heating and prevents sticking. A Dutch oven is ideal for simmering.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and scraping up flavorful browned bits.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for efficiently preparing your beef and vegetables.
• Small Bowl and Whisk: For smoothly combining your flour and water to create the slurry.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a truly incredible, old-fashioned beef stew.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, pat your beef cubes dry to ensure a good sear.
2. Carefully add the beef cubes to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary to allow the beef to brown beautifully on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor.
3. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside in a bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables & Combine

2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Cook until they soften slightly, about 5 minutes, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the cubed potatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently.
4. Bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Simmer & Thicken

3. 3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer for 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
   4. While the stew simmers, prepare your thickening slurry: in a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and water until completely smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.

3. After 1.5 hours, uncover the stew and stir in the flour and water slurry. This will begin to thicken the broth.
4. Continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes. The beef should become wonderfully tender, and the stew will thicken to a perfect, spoon-coating consistency. If your sauce is too thick, simply stir in a splash more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Serve your piping hot, comforting beef stew immediately and enjoy!

CHECK OUT: Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans – A vibrant and sweet side that perfectly complements the savory notes of your stew.

Tips for Success with Beef Stew

Elevate your stew-making game with these expert tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When browning the beef, give each piece space to sear properly. Overcrowding steams the meat instead of browning it, reducing flavor.
• Deglaze for Flavor: After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, use a splash of broth to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are pure flavor!
• Cut Veggies Evenly: Uniformly cut vegetables ensure they cook at the same rate and prevent some from becoming mushy while others remain too firm.
• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste your stew towards the end of the cooking process and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Flavors concentrate as it simmers.
• Let it Rest: A few minutes off the heat before serving allows the flavors to settle and the stew to thicken just a touch more.

Variations & Substitutions for This Classic Beef Stew

Customize your stew to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for thickening.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even green beans or peas towards the end of cooking for freshness.
• Herb Boost: Add a bay leaf to the stew while it simmers, removing it before serving. Fresh parsley or chives stirred in at the end also add a lovely pop of color and flavor.
• Umami Depth: A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika can add even more depth to the broth.

Serving Suggestions for Your Comforting Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew is a meal in itself, but it truly shines with a few thoughtful accompaniments.

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing broth.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, offering a delightful texture contrast.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the stew.
• Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Try serving with a sparkling cider, ginger beer, or a refreshing iced tea.

Health Benefits of This Wholesome Beef Stew

This beef stew isn’t just delicious; it’s also wonderfully nourishing!

• High in Protein: With 25g per serving, this stew is excellent for muscle repair and satiety.
• Rich in Fiber: The potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables contribute 5g of fiber, supporting digestive health.
• Vitamin & Mineral Boost: Enjoy essential vitamins and minerals from the diverse range of vegetables, contributing to overall well-being.
• Satisfying & Sustaining: A truly hearty meal that will keep you feeling full and energized.

Storage & Reheating Your Delicious Beef Stew

Enjoying leftovers is one of the best parts of making a big pot of stew!

• Refrigeration: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This stew freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master this comforting dish.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions/carrots on the stovetop (this step is highly recommended for flavor), transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the flour and water slurry). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the flour-water slurry to thicken.

What is the best cut of beef for stew?

Chuck roast is ideal! It has a good amount of marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down during long, slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful beef.

Why is my stew not thickening?

Ensure your flour and water mixture is completely smooth before adding to the stew. Also, make sure the stew is simmering actively after adding the slurry; it needs heat to activate the thickening properties of the flour. If still too thin, you can create another small slurry batch or continue simmering uncovered for longer.

Can I add other herbs?

Certainly! A bay leaf simmered with the stew and removed before serving adds wonderful depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are excellent as a garnish just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Prepare it completely, cool, and then store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved this comforting stew, you’ll adore these other hearty recipes from our kitchen!

• The Best Chili Recipe – A robust and flavorful chili that truly defines fall comfort food.
• Porcupine Meatballs: The Nostalgic Dinner Everyone Loves Again – A comforting, old-fashioned meal that’s both fun and delicious.
• This Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff Has a Secret That Makes It Extra Creamy – Enjoy tender beef in a rich, creamy sauce with minimal effort.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a timeless tradition, a source of warmth, and a hug for your senses. We hope you cherish making and sharing this deeply satisfying dish. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more comforting recipes!

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