Old Fashioned Beef Stew
This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a timeless dish that brings warmth and heartiness to any table. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this stew features tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich broth that warms the soul. With its combination of savory flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: The blend of beef, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich and satisfying taste that feels like a warm hug.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have this stew simmering away without stress.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adapt seasonings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for batch cooking or leftovers.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hearty meal that both kids and adults will love, making dinner time enjoyable for everyone.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing this Old Fashioned Beef Stew requires just a few essential tools that will help you achieve the best results. Having these on hand will make the cooking process smoother.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This is crucial for even cooking and allows you to sear the beef properly before simmering.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot‘s surface.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time you make this stew.
Ingredients
This Beef Stew is pure comfort in a bowl with melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and all the right herbs and spices.
For the Beef Stew
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast)
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
For the Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (cut into bite-sized chunks)
- 10 ounces pearl onions
- 4 medium carrots (sliced)
- 4 medium celery ribs (sliced)
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup cold water
How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Dust 2 pounds of beef stew meat with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and sear for about 5 minutes until all sides are browned. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add diced potatoes, pearl onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, along with dried basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and ground allspice. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
Bring the stew to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes. Stir occasionally until the beef is tender.
Step 6: Thicken the Stew
In a small bowl, mix remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water until completely dissolved. Slowly pour this mixture into the stew while stirring constantly. Cook on low heat for a few more minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Serving Old Fashioned Beef Stew can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve slices of crusty bread alongside the stew for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich broth, enhancing each bite.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Spoon the hearty stew over creamy mashed potatoes. This adds a comforting base that balances the flavors perfectly.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. This adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma to the dish.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A light side salad complements the heaviness of the stew. Choose greens like arugula or spinach with a simple vinaigrette.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and deliciously edible vessels.
With Pickled Vegetables
- Add pickled vegetables on the side for a tangy contrast. The acidity cuts through the richness of the beef stew beautifully.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Beef Stew
To achieve the ultimate Old Fashioned Beef Stew, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your cooking process and flavor profile.
- Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled beef chuck roast for tender and flavorful results.
- Sear Properly: Take time to sear the beef until browned on all sides. This builds depth in flavor through caramelization.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs provide superior taste compared to dried ones.
- Slow Cook: Allow ample simmering time for maximum tenderness in the meat and melding of flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go; this helps avoid over-seasoning and allows you to find your perfect balance.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the stew rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to settle and enhances texture.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Pairing sides with your Old Fashioned Beef Stew can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the stew’s rich broth.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition, complementing the hearty stew.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with warm stew.
- Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf acts as an excellent base that absorbs delicious juices from the stew.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully, adding another layer of comfort to your meal.
- Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans provide a bright, crisp element to balance the dish’s richness.
- Baked Potatoes: Soft baked potatoes can be topped with butter or sour cream, working wonderfully alongside beef stew.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing mixed greens salad helps cleanse your palate between bites of hearty stew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Old Fashioned Beef Stew can be simple, but there are pitfalls to watch for. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the browning step – Searing the beef adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step; it enhances the stew’s overall taste.
- Overcrowding the pot – If you add too much meat at once, it will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches for better results.
- Not seasoning enough – Seasoning is crucial for flavor. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Ignoring the simmer time – Stewing requires patience. Don’t rush; allow the beef to become tender, which can take 90-120 minutes.
- Using low-quality meat – Cheaper cuts may not yield the best results. Opt for chuck roast for tenderness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm throughout, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 2-minute intervals until heated through.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Old Fashioned Beef Stew.
How do I make my Old Fashioned Beef Stew thicker?
To thicken your stew, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I use different vegetables in my Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables such as green beans or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
What type of meat is best for Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
Chuck roast is ideal due to its balance of fat and meat, which makes it tender when cooked slowly.
How long does it take to cook Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
Typically, it takes about 90 to 120 minutes on low heat for the beef to become tender.
Can I make Old Fashioned Beef Stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe by browning the meat first and then transferring everything into a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low.
Final Thoughts
Old Fashioned Beef Stew is truly comfort food at its best. The combination of tender beef and hearty vegetables creates a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices to make it your own. Enjoy this cozy dish on chilly days or whenever you’re craving something warm and delicious!
Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Old Fashioned Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. This rich and hearty dish features tender chunks of beef simmered with vibrant vegetables in a savory broth, creating a satisfying meal that warms both the heart and soul. With layers of flavor from herbs and spices, it’s an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast)
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (cut into bite-sized chunks)
- 10 ounces pearl onions
- 4 medium carrots (sliced)
- 4 medium celery ribs (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- Dust beef with cornstarch and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; sear the beef until browned on all sides.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; add vegetables and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes until beef is tender.
- Thicken the stew by mixing remaining cornstarch with cold water; stir into the stew until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
