Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe: Soul-Warming Comfort

Comfort and nostalgia blend perfectly in this hearty old fashioned beef stew that transports you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Tender chunks of meat simmer alongside root vegetables in a rich, deeply flavored broth.

Generations have cherished this classic recipe, passing down culinary traditions from one kitchen to another.

Robust seasonings and slow cooking create a magical harmony of flavors that warm your soul.

Carefully selected ingredients make all the difference in crafting an unforgettable meal.

Home cooks know the secret lies in patience and love stirred into every bite.

What Makes Old Fashioned Beef Stew So Hearty

• Savor Hearty Comfort: Dive into a rich, soul-warming stew packed with tender beef and colorful vegetables that hugs your taste buds with classic home-style goodness.
• Master Simple Cooking: This recipe requires minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for beginner cooks who want to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables or adjust seasoning to match your family's preferences, transforming this traditional stew into a personalized culinary experience.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with a single pot meal that combines protein, vegetables, and robust flavors in one delicious preparation, saving time and kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Beef: A hearty protein that provides the rich, satisfying base of this classic stew.

• Basil, Oregano, Parsley: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds depth and freshness to the stew.
• Paprika, Allspice: Warm spices that contribute a complex and comforting flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add substance and help thicken the stew.
• Onions, Carrots, Celery: A traditional mirepoix that provides a flavor foundation and nutritional boost.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that intensifies the savory notes of the stew.

• Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that creates the stew's base and helps tenderize the meat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds depth and umami to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meat and creating a rich flavor base.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated tomato product that adds richness and color.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that gives the stew its desired consistency.
• Sugar: A subtle sweetener that balances the savory flavors.

How to Cook Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare Beef Coating

Grab a mixing bowl and coat beef pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.

Ensure each piece gets an even, light dusting for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Sear Beef Perfectly

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

Brown beef pieces on all sides until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust.

Remove browned beef and set aside temporarily.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Tomato paste

Sauté until fragrant.

Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sugar to create a deep, complex flavor foundation.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return browned beef to the pot.

• Diced potatoes
• Chopped onions
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped celery
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Fresh parsley
• Paprika
• Ground allspice

Step 5: Slow Simmer

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and let simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef becomes meltingly tender.

Step 6: Thicken Stew

Mix additional cornstarch with cold water.

Stir into the stew to create a rich, velvety texture.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming stew into bowls.

Serve immediately with crusty bread for a comforting, soul-warming meal.

Pro Tips for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Toss beef in cornstarch before browning to create a delicate, crispy exterior that helps seal in juices and enhance flavor.
• Select chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for maximum tenderness and rich, deep flavor during slow cooking.
• Add extra beef broth if stew becomes too thick during simmering, ensuring a perfect, hearty consistency without drying out.
• Cook stew on low heat for 1.5-2 hours to break down tough meat fibers, creating melt-in-your-mouth beef and developing complex flavors.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that binds the stew perfectly.

Variations on Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Vegetarian Comfort Stew: Replace beef with hearty portobello mushrooms or firm tofu cubes, maintaining the same aromatic herbs and spices for a plant-based version.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef, cook on low for 6-8 hours for maximum tenderness and convenience.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower chunks and turnips, reducing overall carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, savory flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Use gluten-free cornstarch, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards for sensitive individuals.

Serving Suggestions for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice crusty sourdough or hearty French bread to soak up the rich, savory stew broth, adding delightful texture and flavor to each bite.
• Creamy Comfort Topper: Dollop a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top, creating a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, robust stew.
• Herb Garden Sprinkle: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving, bringing a bright, green freshness that cuts through the stew's deep, meaty flavors.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complementing the stew's rich, hearty profile.

How to Store Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Store leftover stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour stew into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated evenly throughout. Adjust seasoning if needed.

FAQs

• Why use cornstarch in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps coat the beef, creating a crispy exterior when browning and thickening the stew’s sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture.

• Can I use different types of meat?

While beef chuck is ideal for this stew, you can substitute with beef stew meat or short ribs for similar tender results.

• How do I know when the beef is perfectly tender?

The beef is ready when it easily falls apart with a fork and can be cut with minimal effort, typically after 1.5 to 2 hours of slow simmering.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work well in this recipe – use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs to maintain balanced flavor.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty old fashioned beef stew delivers rich comfort with tender meat and robust vegetables simmered to perfection. Warm spices and slow-cooked goodness invite you to savor a classic dish that warms hearts and satisfies hunger with every spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast)

Vegetables:

• 1.5 pounds red potatoes
• 10 ounces pearl onions
• 4 medium carrots
• 4 medium celery ribs
• 2 cloves garlic

Spices and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon allspice

Liquids and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 0.25 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 0.25 cup cold water

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Instructions

1. Coat beef cubes with cornstarch, seasoning with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor and texture.
2. Sear beef in hot olive oil until golden brown, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
3. Infuse pot with aromatic garlic and tomato paste, releasing deep flavors. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sugar to balance the profile.
4. Reintroduce browned beef to the liquid, combining with hearty root vegetables including potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery. Incorporate herbs and spices like basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and allspice for complexity.
5. Bring mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours at 325°F, allowing meat to become fork-tender and vegetables to absorb rich flavors.
6. Create a smooth slurry with remaining cornstarch and cold water. Stir into stew to achieve desired thickness, cooking for an additional 5 minutes to activate thickening agents.
7. Ladle steaming stew into warm bowls, ensuring each serving contains a harmonious blend of meat and vegetables.

Notes

• Maximize meat tenderness by selecting chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Boost flavor depth by browning meat thoroughly before simmering, creating delicious caramelized exterior that enhances overall taste profile.
• Control stew consistency by gradually adding cornstarch slurry, allowing sauce to thicken naturally without becoming too dense or pasty.
• Accommodate dietary preferences by substituting beef with lamb, turkey, or plant-based protein alternatives for diverse meal options.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg