Old Fashioned Beef Stew
This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. With tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish warms both the heart and the stomach. Each bite is packed with rich flavor, making it a timeless classic that will remind you of home-cooked meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce creates a deep, savory flavor that enhances every ingredient.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal active cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade stew without much hassle.
- Hearty and Filling: This stew features plenty of meat and vegetables, making it a complete meal that satisfies hunger.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze portions for later.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to make this recipe your own.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Old Fashioned Beef Stew, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for searing the beef and simmering all ingredients together for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.
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 it with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
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, stirring frequently.
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 of 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 the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 90 to 120 minutes until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally.
Step 6: Thicken the Stew
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water until dissolved. Slowly pour this mixture into the stew while stirring constantly. Cook on low heat for a few more minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Final Adjustments
Taste your Old Fashioned Beef Stew and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Serving Old Fashioned Beef Stew is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making every bowl delightful. Here are some suggestions to elevate your stew experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Pair your stew with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the stew beautifully.
Over Rice or Noodles
- Fluffy Rice: Serve the beef stew over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the rich broth.
- Egg Noodles: Pour the stew over egg noodles for a hearty meal that feels extra cozy.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: Garnish with thyme for a fragrant touch that enhances the stew’s flavor.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crunch and zest alongside the rich stew.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens provide a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Old Fashioned Beef Stew
To achieve the best results with your Old Fashioned Beef Stew, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Meat: Choose chuck roast for its tenderness and rich flavor once cooked.
- Brown the Meat Well: Ensure you sear the beef until golden brown to build depth in flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper incrementally for balanced seasoning.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Allow enough time for flavors to meld by cooking at low heat for a longer period.
- Add Vegetables at the Right Time: Incorporate heartier vegetables early, but add delicate ones like peas towards the end of cooking.
- Thicken Wisely: Adjust thickness with cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid over-thickening.
Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Beef Stew can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for soaking up delicious stew juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or seasonal veggies roasted to perfection bring out sweet flavors.
- Cornbread: Soft, sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to savory stew.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and a refreshing contrast to hearty beef stew.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf adds an aromatic touch that pairs well with beef stew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Old Fashioned Beef Stew, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Searing: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a less flavorful stew. Always sear the meat on high heat until browned for rich flavor.
- Ignoring Seasoning During Cooking: Adding all seasoning at the end can result in bland stew. Season your beef and vegetables throughout cooking for depth of flavor.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Placing too much meat in the pot can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap cuts of meat or old vegetables can ruin your stew. Choose fresh ingredients and quality beef for the best outcome.
- Not Allowing Enough Cooking Time: Rushing the simmering process will leave the beef tough. Be patient and let it cook low and slow for tender results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Old Fashioned Beef Stew in an airtight container.
- It lasts for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- Cool the stew completely before freezing it.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30-40 minutes.
- Microwave: Place stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour stew into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Old Fashioned Beef Stew.
How can I make my Old Fashioned Beef Stew thicker?
To thicken your stew, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering stew until it thickens.
What type of meat is best for Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
Chuck roast is ideal as it becomes tender during long cooking times, providing great flavor and texture.
Can I add different vegetables to my Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms based on your preference.
How do I store leftovers from my Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a perfect cozy meal that warms you from the inside out. Its rich flavors and tender meat make it a family favorite. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Old Fashioned Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food, bringing warmth and nostalgia to your table. This hearty dish features tender chunks of beef simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a rich and savory flavor that envelops you in its embrace. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this stew is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch, making every bowl a unique delight. Experience the joy of home-cooked comfort with this timeless recipe that promises to warm both the heart and stomach.
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; sear the beef until browned.
- Add minced garlic and tomato paste; cook until fragrant.
- Deglaze pot with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; add vegetables and spices.
- Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 90-120 minutes until beef is tender.
- Mix remaining cornstarch with cold water; stir into stew to thicken.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary; serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
