Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Introduction

Few dishes match the timeless comfort and savory satisfaction of Old Fashioned Beef Stew. With its deep, rich broth, fork-tender beef, and hearty vegetables, this stew stands as the definitive cold-weather crowd-pleaser. It’s a recipe that wins over everyone at the dinner table thanks to its simple ingredients, robust flavors, and generously sized portions.

Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or whenever you need the heartiest home-cooked fare, Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a classic that never goes out of style.

Why This Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe Stands Out

Slow-simmering brings out the best in beef chuck, while aromatics and root veggies like potatoes, carrots, and celery meld into a cohesive, flavor-packed meal. This version combines old-school technique with a few streamlined steps, ensuring both full flavor and convenient prep.

The beauty of beef stew lies in its flexibility and its ability to fill the kitchen with enticing aromas as it cooks low and slow.

Effortlessly Prepping Your Ingredients

Key to rich-tasting stew is prepping your vegetables to uniform size so they cook evenly. A tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can save time and guarantee perfect cuts every time, helping your carrots, celery, and potatoes reach just the right tenderness.

Use a sturdy bamboo cutting board to handle beef and vegetables without cross-contamination.

Browning and Braising for Maximum Flavor

Don’t skip the step of browning your beef! Searing cubes in a hot, heavy pan (like the dependable Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet) adds depth of flavor through caramelization. This step may take a few extra minutes, but it’s absolutely worth it for that soul-warming, hearty taste.

The Ideal Simmer for Tender Results

After browning your meat and sautéing the vegetables, everything is united in one pot and left to simmer over low heat. Timing matters—a couple of hours ensures the beef becomes meltingly tender and the vegetables absorb all the meaty, herby flavors.

To check for doneness, a quick poke with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer will show if your beef is perfectly cooked.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Old Fashioned Beef Stew is best served piping hot, ladled into bowls with a hunk of rustic bread for sopping up the flavorful broth. Leftovers taste even better the next day! For storing and reheating, pack portions into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—perfect for prepping lunches or freezing future servings.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. A single serving contains approximately 350–400 calories, making it a satisfying main course packed with protein and vegetables.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew (Recap)

With melt-in-your-mouth beef, garden-fresh vegetables, and a hearty broth, Old Fashioned Beef Stew remains the quintessential comfort food. Its balance of nutritious ingredients, old-school cooking methods, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a family favorite you’ll return to all season long.

Instructions

1. Pat beef cubes dry and season well with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high and brown beef in batches, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer browned beef to a large Dutch oven or stockpot.
3. Add onions to the skillet and sauté 2-3 minutes until softened; add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Transfer onions and garlic to the stew pot.
4. Sprinkle flour over beef and onion mixture, stirring well to coat.
5. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes (using the vegetable chopper for evenly sized pieces). Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in broth and wine, stirring to combine.
6. Bring stew to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally and adjusting with more broth if needed.
7. When beef is fork-tender, stir in peas and cook an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Enjoy this comforting Old Fashioned Beef Stew—simple, nourishing, and irresistibly delicious every time.