Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

The Cozy Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe Everyone Loves

Hearty and rich beef stew transports you straight to comfort food heaven with its deep, warming flavors.

Cold winter nights call for this classic homemade beef stew recipe that simmers with tender meat and robust vegetables.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this rustic dish, passing down techniques that create mouthwatering depth and complexity.

Slow-cooked chunks of beef melt into a thick, savory broth that hugs every vegetable with incredible richness.

Each spoonful promises pure, nostalgic satisfaction that connects you to traditional home cooking.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eagerly anticipating a bowl of pure deliciousness.

This stew isn’t just a meal, it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening that promises comfort in every bite.

Classic Stew to Warm Up Any Evening

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: A classic beef stew that wraps you in warmth with its rich, deeply satisfying flavors and tender meat that melts in your mouth.
  • Master One-Pot Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, making this recipe a dream for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive washing up.
  • Perfect Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with nutritious vegetables and protein, this stew appeals to all ages, creating a wholesome meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting you personalize the stew based on what's in your pantry or family preferences.

Everything You Need for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Main Ingredients:
  • Beef Cubes: A hearty protein that forms the core of this classic stew.
  • Beef Broth: Provides a rich, deep flavor base for the stew.
  • Red Wine: Adds complexity and depth to the overall taste profile.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build a robust flavor foundation.
  • Carrots, Potatoes, Celery: Classic stew vegetables that add texture and natural sweetness.
  • Frozen Peas: Brings a pop of color and fresh vegetable element to the dish.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural beef flavor.
  • Flour: Used for dredging the beef to create a golden crust and thicken the stew.
  • Tomato Paste: Provides a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Bay Leaf, Thyme: Herbs that contribute earthy and aromatic notes to the stew.
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and a subtle tangy complexity.
  • Olive Oil: Used for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

Beef Stew Directions for Cozy Results

Step 1: Prepare Beef

Coat beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with flour, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.

Step 2: Brown Meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Carefully brown beef pieces on all sides, creating a rich golden crust.

Work in small batches to prevent overcrowding.

Transfer browned meat to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic.

Cook until vegetables become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant flavors.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

Stir in tomato paste, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Return browned beef to the pot, mixing thoroughly.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Vegetables

Pour in beef broth and red wine.

Add vegetables:
  • Chopped carrots
  • Diced potatoes
  • Sliced celery

Include bay leaf, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar.

Stir ingredients together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover pot and reduce heat.

Let stew simmer slowly for 1½ to 2 hours until beef becomes fork-tender and vegetables are soft.

Step 7: Finish Stew

Stir in frozen peas during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving.

Enjoy with crusty bread.

Time-Tested Tips for Hearty Beef Stew

  • Brown meat in small batches to ensure each piece develops a rich, caramelized exterior without steaming or overcrowding the pot.
  • Add red wine for deeper, more complex flavor – choose a dry variety like cabernet or merlot that complements beef's richness.
  • Select chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling, which breaks down slowly and creates melt-in-your-mouth texture during long, slow cooking.
  • Maintain a gentle simmer to keep beef tender and prevent tough, chewy meat – lower heat allows collagen to transform into delicious gelatin.
  • Use fresh thyme and parsley at the end to brighten the stew's deep, rich flavors and add a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

Ways to Vary Old Fashioned Beef Stew

  • Venison Wilderness Stew: Replace beef with lean venison for a game meat version, perfect for hunters and wild food enthusiasts.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Stew: Swap beef for lamb, add rosemary and oregano, and include green olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Root Vegetable Stew: Substitute beef with hearty root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and mushrooms, using vegetable broth as the liquid base.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Stew: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining a similar texture and heartiness.

Serving Suggestions for Classic Beef Stew

  • Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve this hearty stew alongside thick slices of crusty sourdough or rustic country bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the stew into deep ceramic bowls and pair with a simple green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Wine Companion: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which echoes the depth of the slow-cooked beef.
  • Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the stew's richness.

Storage Solutions for Beef Stew Leftovers

  • Store leftover stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Place stew in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
  • Pour stew into a pot, add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

FAQs

  • Why dredge beef in flour before browning?

Coating beef in flour helps create a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and adds rich flavor to the stew. The flour also helps thicken the sauce naturally during cooking.

  • Can I use different cuts of beef?

Chuck roast or beef stew meat work best because they’re tough cuts that become tender and flavorful after slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can dry out and become tough.

  • Is red wine necessary for the recipe?

Red wine adds depth and complexity to the stew’s flavor, but you can substitute with additional beef broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. The stew will still taste delicious.

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Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender meat with rich, slow-cooked vegetables. Warm spices and deep flavors create a classic American dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) beef chuck roast, cut into 12 inch cubes

Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Coat beef cubes thoroughly with seasoned flour, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Sear meat in hot olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a rich golden-brown crust on all surfaces. Work in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding.
  3. In the same pot, caramelize onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aromatics.
  4. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring vigorously to develop a deep, concentrated flavor profile.
  5. Return browned beef to the pot, nestling pieces into the aromatic base.
  6. Introduce beef broth and optional red wine, creating a rich liquid foundation. Layer in root vegetables, herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar for complex depth.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow stew to gently simmer for 1½ to 2 hours. The extended cooking time will tenderize meat and meld flavors.
  8. During the final 10 minutes, fold in frozen peas to preserve their vibrant color and fresh texture.
  9. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the stew, adding a bright, herbaceous note before serving.

Notes

  • Pat the beef dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
  • Use chuck roast or stew meat for maximum tenderness and rich flavor, as these cuts have excellent marbling.
  • Add a splash of red wine to deepen the stew’s complexity and create a more sophisticated taste profile.
  • Consider swapping potatoes with sweet potatoes for a lower-carb alternative that adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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