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 1–2 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
- Coat beef cubes thoroughly with seasoned flour, ensuring even coverage.
- 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.
- In the same pot, caramelize onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aromatics.
- Incorporate tomato paste, stirring vigorously to develop a deep, concentrated flavor profile.
- Return browned beef to the pot, nestling pieces into the aromatic base.
- 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.
- 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.
- During the final 10 minutes, fold in frozen peas to preserve their vibrant color and fresh texture.
- 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