There’s just something magical about a steaming bowl of Old Fashioned Beef Stew, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening, a taste of pure comfort that takes you right back to grandma’s kitchen. This isn’t just any stew; it’s a recipe passed down, made with simple, good-for-you ingredients that create a flavor explosion you just can’t beat. I remember my own dad making this for us after a long day playing outside, and the smell alone was enough to make everything feel right in the world. It’s that kind of goodness we’re bringing to your table today!
Why This Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is a Must-Try
Honestly, this recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight, and the flavors are just pure, unadulterated comfort. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy, perfect for feeding the whole family and warming them from the inside out. Plus, it just tastes like *home*, you know?
- Super simple to make with basic pantry staples.
- Rich, deep flavors that are seriously satisfying.
- A crowd-pleaser that the whole family will adore.
- The ultimate comfort food for any occasion!
Gather Your Ingredients for Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! For this amazing Old Fashioned Beef Stew, you’ll need good, honest ingredients that are probably already in your pantry or easy to grab. Trust me, the quality of these simple items makes all the difference.
Here’s what you’ll need to round up:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat – I like mine cut into nice, bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch is perfect.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Just enough to get things started in the pot.
- 1 large onion, chopped – No need to be fancy, just chopped up is fine!
- 2 carrots, chopped – Don’t skip these, they add a lovely sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – For that classic stew flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic, right?
- 6 cups beef broth – This is the heart of our stew!
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed – Any kind you like will work, just make sure they’re cubed up.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – Adds that earthy, comforting aroma.
- 1 tsp dried rosemary – So fragrant!
- Salt and pepper to taste – The essentials!
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening) – If you like a really thick stew.
- 1/4 cup cold water (optional, for thickening) – To mix with the cornstarch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Alright, let’s get this comfort food party started! Making a truly delicious Old Fashioned Beef Stew isn’t complicated at all. It just takes a little bit of love and patience, and I’ll walk you through every single step. Don’t worry, it’s totally doable!
Preparing and Browning the Beef
First things first, let’s get that beautiful beef ready. Grab your seasoning – salt and pepper are key here! Give those beef cubes a good sprinkle and toss them around until they’re nicely coated. Now, heat up your olive oil in a big pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot! Brown the beef in batches. Seriously, don’t crowd the pan, or it’ll steam instead of browning, and we want that yummy crust for flavor! Once they’re nicely browned, scoop them out and set them aside.
Sautéing the Aromatics
In that same pot, toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Give them a good stir and let them soften up for about 5-7 minutes. This is where all those amazing stew flavors start to build! Once those veggies are looking a little tender and sweet, toss in your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! Cook that for just another minute until it’s nice and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Simmering the Stew Base
Now, back into the pot goes all that gorgeous browned beef! Pour in your beef broth – this is the liquid gold that’s going to make everything so tender and flavorful. Sprinkle in your dried thyme and rosemary. Give it all a good stir. Bring this whole symphony of flavors up to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down low. Pop a lid on it and let it simmer away for at least 1.5 hours. This is where the magic happens and the beef gets super tender.
Adding Potatoes and Finishing the Cook
After that initial simmer, it’s time for the potatoes! Add your cubed potatoes to the pot. Make sure they’re submerged in that delicious broth. Keep the lid on and let it simmer for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until both the potatoes and the beef are fork-tender. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce a potato or a piece of beef with your fork.
Thickening the Old Fashioned Beef Stew (Optional)
If you like your stew thick and rich, this is the step for you! In a small bowl, whisk together your cornstarch and cold water until it’s super smooth, like a little slurry. Pour this mixture into your simmering stew and stir it in really well. Let it bubble away gently for a few more minutes until the stew thickens up to your liking. It’s amazing how a little cornstarch can transform the texture!
Final Seasoning and Serving
Before you serve up this masterpiece, give it a taste. Does it need a little more salt? A bit more pepper? Adjust it until it’s just perfect for you! Ladle this hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew into bowls. Honestly, it’s absolutely divine served piping hot with some crusty bread on the side for dipping up every last drop. You might also want to check out this classic French beef stew or try my Instant Pot version or amazing slow cooker beef stew for other delicious options!
Tips for the Best Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but want to take your Old Fashioned Beef Stew from good to *absolutely amazing*? I’ve got a few little secrets up my sleeve that I’ve picked up over the years. They’re not complicated, but they make a world of difference. First off, when you’re cutting your beef, try to make the cubes pretty uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly, so you don’t get some pieces that are tough and others that are falling apart. And don’t rush that browning step! That little bit of caramelization on the beef is pure flavor gold that you just can’t get any other way. For the veggies, fresh is always best, of course, but if you’re in a pinch, good quality frozen ones can work in a pinch. And for the consistency, if you’re not using the cornstarch trick, just let it simmer a little longer uncovered towards the end. Oh, and a splash of red wine when you’re sautéing the veggies? Yes, please! It adds a depth that’s just *chef’s kiss*. For more cozy meal ideas, check out my list of diner foods for lunch and dinner!
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Now, while this Old Fashioned Beef Stew recipe is pretty perfect as is, I totally get wanting to make it your own! Feel free to play around. If you’re not a fan of potatoes, you can swap them for parsnips or even sweet cubes – they add a different kind of sweetness. And don’t forget about adding extra veggies! Peas or green beans are fantastic stirred in during the last 15 minutes of cooking. If you have fresh thyme or rosemary handy, use those instead of dried – just use a bit more! It really makes the flavors pop even more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Got questions about making the best Old Fashioned Beef Stew? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things folks ask, and my best advice.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Oh, absolutely! Slow cookers are fantastic for beef stew. You can follow the browning and sautéing steps on the stovetop just like in the recipe, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef and veggies are super tender. It’s a slightly different, but equally delicious, way to get that classic stew flavor. For a great example, you can check out this slow cooker beef stew recipe!
What’s the best cut of beef for stew?
For that super tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you want cuts that have a bit of connective tissue and fat. Chuck roast is my go-to! It breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, making the stew incredibly rich and flavorful. You can also use beef shoulder, top round, or even brisket. Just make sure it’s cut into nice, manageable cubes for even cooking.
How long does it take for the potatoes to cook?
Once you add the potatoes to the simmering stew, it typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes for them to become perfectly tender. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork without any resistance. Keep an eye on them, as the size you cut them and the heat of your simmer can change things a tiny bit!
Storing and Reheating Your Beef Stew
Leftover Old Fashioned Beef Stew is seriously the best! It actually tastes even better the next day, if that’s even possible. Once it’s cooled down a bit, just pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should stay yummy for a good 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it! Again, an airtight container is your friend here, and it’ll keep well in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, giving it a stir every now and then until it’s heated through. You can also zap it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates and can tweak a bit depending on exactly what you use. A good serving of this Old Fashioned Beef Stew typically has around 350 calories, about 15g of fat (5g saturated), 25g of protein, and 25g of carbs. Sodium will be around 300mg, but that can change based on your broth. It’s a hearty, delicious meal that’s packed with goodness!