Easy Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

What is it like to have beef stew on a cold evening? Down to your toes. What is my grandma’s recipe for beef stew? What’s the kind of dish that makes the whole house smell amazing and brings back memories of cozy cozy nights. Family dinners. If you love the hearty comfort of a classic French Beef Bourguignon, but you’re looking for the best, then this is the recipe for you. What is the easiest way to make Beef Stew? Is it definitely for you? Is it easy to make, and the flavors are just amazing? What are some good recipes to keep close?

What is an easy old-fashioned beef stew?

What’s the best comfort food in a bowl? What is a stew made with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables like potatoes, onions, and peppers? What are the advantages of cooking potatoes, carrots and celery in a broth? What is the slow cooking process of beef? What are some of the best flavors to meld together? Is it complicated or fancy? Is it wholesome food for a crowd? My grandma always said it was her secret weapon for making everyone feel loved and well-fed, and I still remember her saying it. I can’t agree more!

Why do I love this recipe?

What are some of the best reasons to eat old-fashioned beef stew?

• Flavor Explosion:Combining seared beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich broth creates a depth of flavor that’s unmatched. Is this irres Is it savory, comforting, and deeply satisfying? I swear, the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
• UnbelievablyWhat are some of the easiest stews to make? Most of the work is hands-off, allowing you to relax while the magic happens in the pot. What are some good recipes for a weeknight meal that you want to make but don’t have ten minutes to spare? What is the best time to spend in the kitchen?
• Budget FriendlyWhat are some good ways to make a beef stew? This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. How do you feed a family without breaking the bank?
• What makes you versatile and adaptable?Feel free to customize this recipe. Add different vegetables, use a different type of beef, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. What are the possibilities? Sometimes I throw in some mushrooms or a splash of red wine for an extra layer of flavor.

What I love about this Easy Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is how comforting and nostalgic it is. It reminds me of my childhood and brings back so many happy memories. I love making something that everyone in my family enjoys. If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make stew, look no further. What are some of the best recipes ever made?

How do I make an easy old-fashioned beef stew?

Quick Overview

What are some easy ways to make Old-Fashioned Beef Stew? What should I do if I want to make a broth with everything I need to cook until tender? What makes this stew so delicious? What are some good recipes for a weekend afternoon when you can let it simmer on the stove? What are some of the best ways to fill your home with a comforting aroma?

Ingredients

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. I always go for chuck roast because it gets incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil. Don’t skimp on the oil – it helps to get a good sear on beef.
• 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
• I prefer to chop carrots into bite-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. I also like to eat kale and quinoa.
• Celery adds a subtle flavor to stew. 2 stalks, chopped.
• What are the best ways to eat fresh garlic?
• 4 cups beef broth. Use a good quality beef stock for best flavor. I sometimes use low-sodium so I can control the salt level.
• 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste. This adds richness and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme is a classic herb for beef stew.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Rosemary adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
• What is the importance of bay leaf?
• 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed. Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well during cooking.
• 1 cup frozen peas. These add a touch of sweetness and freshness.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

What are the step-

Step 1: Sear the Beef

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. How do you cook beef in batches? Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the beef will steam instead of sear. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. I always do this in batches – it’s worth the extra time to get that nice, deep color.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this point is just amazing!

Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes

If you have beef broth, pour it in and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Where all that delicious flavor comes from? Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer. Serve hot.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Return the seared beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. If you have a large pot of stew, check it often and add more broth if needed. What is the most important part of patience?

Step 5: Add Potatoes and Peas

Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. What makes potatoes tender? Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. I add the peas at the very end so they don’t get mushy.

Step 6: Season and Serve

How do I remove the bay leaf and season the stew with salt and pepper to taste? I like to serve it with a crusty bread for dipping.

What should I serve it with?

What are some good ideas for a vegetarian beef stew? What can I serve with it to make it even more special?

For a Cozy Night In:

• Crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful broth.
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.

For a Dinner Party:

• Garlic bread or rolls.
• Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
• A glass of red wine.

For a Holiday Meal:

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.
• Green bean casserole.
• Cranberry sauce.

My family always enjoys a big hunk of sourdough bread with this stew. There’s nothing quite like soaking up all that delicious broth!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years for making the perfect Easy Old-Fashioned Beef Stew:

• Use good quality beef: The better the quality of the beef, the more flavorful the stew will be. I recommend using chuck roast, as it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when searing the beef: Sear the beef in batches to ensure it browns properly. Overcrowding the pot will cause the beef to steam instead of sear.
• Don’t skip the tomato paste: Tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor to the stew.
• Use fresh herbs if possible: Fresh herbs will add more flavor to the stew than dried herbs. If you’re using fresh herbs, add them during the last hour of cooking.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Feel free to add more or less of any of the seasonings to suit your taste.
• Let the stew simmer for as long as possible: The longer the stew simmers, the more flavorful it will become. I recommend simmering it for at least 2 hours, but even longer is better!
• Add a splash of red wine: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the stew during the last hour of cooking.

I’ve also found that a little bit of Worcestershire sauce adds a real depth of flavor too. And if you like a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here are some tips for storing and reheating your Easy Old-Fashioned Beef Stew:

Storing:

• Let the stew cool completely before storing it.
• Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

• Reheat the stew in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• You can also reheat the stew in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to ensure it heats evenly.
• If the stew is too thick, add a little bit of beef broth to thin it out.

The best thing about this stew is that it actually tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together, making it even more delicious. So don’t be afraid to make a big batch and enjoy it for days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Easy Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, a warm hug on a cold day, and a reminder of simpler times. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m so excited to share it with you. The incredible flavor, surprising ease, and family-friendly nature make it a winner every time. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my Chicken Noodle Soup recipe – another family favorite! I really hope you give this recipe a try. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!

Easy Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

This classic beef stew recipe is hearty and comforting, perfect for a family dinner on a chilly evening. Tender chunks of beef are simmered with vegetables and rich broth to create a satisfying meal in one pot.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes trim excess fat
• ▢ 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• ▢ 1 large onion, diced
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ▢ 4 cups beef broth
• ▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ▢ 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks about 1-inch
• ▢ 2 stalks celery, sliced
• ▢ 1 cup frozen peas
• ▢ 2 teaspoons salt to taste
• ▢ 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• ▢ 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onions until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Stir in the flour until the onions and garlic are coated. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.
• Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cover and cook for about 1.5 hours or until the meat is tender.
• During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Discard the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a thicker stew, add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking time.