If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that tastes like a loving hug on a plate, this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is just what you need. With tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth simmered to perfection, it brings the timeless charm of classic home cooking right to your table. Each spoonful delivers comfort and depth, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in a harmony of flavors and textures. Every item on this list has a purpose: whether it’s to build the stew’s deep savory base, add a touch of sweetness, or contribute to its inviting aroma and vibrant color.
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star of the stew, this cut is perfect for slow cooking to tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps to brown the beef beautifully and thickens the stew later for a luscious texture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and aids in browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings a sweet and savory foundation to the stew.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds warmth and a subtle bite that elevates the overall flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth: The heart of the stew’s liquid, infusing every bite with meaty goodness.
- 1 cup red wine (optional): Adds complexity and depth, balancing the richness of the beef.
- 3 large carrots, sliced: Lend sweetness and a pop of bright orange color.
- 3 potatoes, diced: Offer mellow starchiness that absorbs the savory broth perfectly.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Add a subtle earthiness and crunch that rounds out the veggies.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Boosts umami and gives the stew a rich, slightly tangy base.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a deep, savory punch with subtle tanginess.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings an herbal note that complements the beef wonderfully.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant pine-like aroma that enhances the stew’s character.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse gentle earthiness and complexity as the stew simmers.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional): Stirred in at the end for a fresh pop of color and mild sweetness.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, bright garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Beef
Start by tossing your beef cubes with the flour, salt, and black pepper. This simple coating doesn’t just season the meat; it helps create a beautifully browned crust when seared and also thickens the stew later on, giving your broth an irresistible velvety texture.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. This step locks in flavor and gives the stew its deep, rich taste. Transfer the browned beef to a plate once all pieces have a golden crust.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, cook the chopped onion for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. This builds a flavorful foundation for the stew, releasing sweet and savory aromas that make your kitchen smell like home.
Step 4: Build the Base
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. These ingredients meld together to form the stew’s signature depth, layering herbaceous and savory notes that linger with every bite.
Step 5: Add the Liquid
Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—the secret to unlocking intense flavor. The wine adds a subtle complexity but feel free to skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Step 6: Simmer the Stew
Return the beef to the pot, bring everything to a simmer, and cover with a lid. Let it cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours. This gentle cooking breaks down the beef fibers, making it tender and allowing the flavors to fully marry into a harmonious whole.
Step 7: Add Vegetables
Once the beef is tender, stir in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cook for another 45 minutes uncovered or until the vegetables are soft but still holding their shape. The veggies absorb the savory broth, making them extra flavorful and filling.
Step 8: Finish & Serve
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes just to warm them through. Remove the bay leaves, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish generously with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and a bright contrast to this hearty stew.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley always brings a fresh, vibrant finish, but you could also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of creaminess and richness if you like. These simple touches elevate the stew visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory gravy. Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles make wonderful comfort food companions as well. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family meal, serve the stew in rustic bowls topped with herbs. Hosting a dinner party? Try serving it in mini bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing presentation. You can also ladle the stew over creamy polenta or wild rice for a unique twist that adds texture and substance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Cool the stew completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will keep for up to 3 months, perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying a comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot all the way through. If the stew has thickened too much, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving too long to preserve the tender texture of the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its balance of flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked, you can use other stew cuts like brisket or round. Just keep in mind some cuts may require longer cooking to become tender.
Do I have to use red wine in this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe?
No, the red wine is optional. It adds a lovely depth and slight acidity that enhances the stew, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, simply replace it with an equal amount of beef broth or additional water.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add liquids, herbs, and vegetables, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until the beef and veggies are tender.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
If your stew feels a bit watery, mix a couple tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering stew. Cook for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe keeps well, tastes even better the next day, and freezes perfectly, making it one of the best dishes for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like coming home. Rich, flavorful, and packed with tender beef and hearty vegetables, it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. I can’t recommend enough giving this a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection, perfect for sharing delicious, comforting moments with those you love.
Print
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef chuck simmered slowly with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Rich in flavor with a deliciously thickened broth, it’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day and serves six hearty portions.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: Toss beef cubes thoroughly with all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to ensure they are evenly coated. This step helps create a nice crust and thickens the stew later.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing each side until browned. Do not overcrowd the pot. Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Cook for a minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add the Liquid: Pour in beef broth and red wine if using, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits, which adds rich flavor to the stew.
- Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cover again and continue cooking for another 45 minutes until both vegetables and beef are fork-tender.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, you can simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Red wine is optional but adds depth of flavor; substitute with additional beef broth if preferred.
- Use fresh herbs if available, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
