Old Fashioned Beef Stew is more than just a dish; it’s the ultimate cozy hug in a bowl. Imagine the rich aroma of slowly simmered beef, mingling with tender vegetables, all enveloped in a fragrant broth—a sensory delight that transforms your kitchen into a warm heart of home. Pulling up a chair to a steaming bowl of this stew feels like being wrapped in a favorite blanket, regardless of the weather outside.
Each spoonful evokes cherished memories of family gatherings, where laughter and stories were exchanged over hearty meals. As the cold days knock on our doors, it’s the ideal time to whip up this classic recipe. Anticipation builds as you think of sharing this culinary masterpiece with loved ones while making lasting connections over delicious food.
Why You'll Love This Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- This incredible Old Fashioned Beef Stew transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Old Fashioned Beef Stew:
3 tablespoons olive oil – This adds a rich flavor and helps brown the beef for deeper tastes.
3 pounds beef stew meat, cubed – Look for well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness and flavor as they cook.
1 tablespoon Kosher salt – Essential for seasoning, balancing, and enhancing all the flavors in the stew.
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper – Adds a comforting warmth and a hint of spice to each bite.
2 yellow onions, peeled and chopped – Sweet and savory, providing a perfect base for your stew.
1/4 cup flour – This thickens the stew, giving it a comforting, hearty texture that clings to the meat and vegetables.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a depth of flavor that complements the beef beautifully and elevates the overall dish.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves – Provides an herbal, earthy aroma that pairs wonderfully with the beef.
1 tablespoon tomato paste – Contributes sweetness and a gentle acidity, balancing the dish’s richness.
1 cup red wine – Use a good quality wine that you would enjoy drinking; it deepens the flavor of the stew.
3 cups beef broth – This adds a savory essence, making the stew hearty and flavorful.
1 bay leaf – Releases aromatic flavors that enhance the stew as it simmers gently.
3 large russet potatoes, rinsed and diced – Adds creaminess and absorbs all the lovely flavors of the broth.
4 carrots, rinsed and diced – These add a touch of sweetness and color to your dish.
1 10 ounce package frozen peas – These add a pop of color and sweetness at the end, brightening the dish.
How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Old Fashioned Beef Stew:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef, taking care not to overcrowd the pot. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides until it has developed a nice crust, then remove it to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onions. Sauté until they become softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until well combined.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Thyme
Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. This step is where the magic starts to happen! Then, add the tomato paste, stirring until everything is coated well.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly and thicken the mixture.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook
Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the pot. Add the beef broth and bay leaf, bringing everything back to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook on low for about an hour, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
After an hour, add the diced potatoes and carrots, stirring to combine. Continue to simmer for another hour or until both the meat and vegetables are tender. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
Step 7: Finish with Peas
Stir in the frozen peas a few minutes before serving to warm them through. Serve your incredible Old Fashioned Beef Stew hot, ideally with crusty bread for dipping and sopping up all that delicious goodness.
This stew is best when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to marry and deepen overnight. Trust me; your future self will thank you! Enjoy every comforting bite made with love and cherished memories.
You Must Know About Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- This showstopping Old Fashioned Beef Stew delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Old Fashioned Beef Stew Cooking Process
Start by searing the beef in batches to develop a rich flavor. While it rests, sauté onions and build the base before deglazing with wine. Simultaneously, prepare your vegetables, so everything is ready to combine at the perfect time.
Add Your Touch to Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Feel free to swap out potatoes for parsnips for a sweeter note, or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can enhance the flavor, making this classic stew uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve flavors and texture. You can also freeze portions for future hearty meals.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- This professional-quality Old Fashioned Beef Stew relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
There was a chilly evening last winter when I brought a big pot of Old Fashioned Beef Stew to a family gathering. It disappeared faster than you can say “seconds,” proving once again that comfort food has a magical way of bringing us together.
FAQs About Old Fashioned Beef Stew
What is Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a classic comfort dish that features tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with a variety of colorful vegetables in a rich savory broth. This stew often incorporates ingredients like potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic, providing both flavor and nutrition. The combination of red wine and beef broth creates a deep earthy base, while herbs such as thyme add aromatic notes. Traditionally served during colder months, this hearty meal is a beloved staple that brings families together around the dinner table.
How do you make Old Fashioned Beef Stew tender?
To achieve tender beef in your Old Fashioned Beef Stew, start with a good quality cut of meat, such as chuck roast. Browning the beef in batches forms a flavorful crust and locks in moisture. The key is to simmer the stew low and slow; this slow cooking process breaks down tough connective tissues and collagen, rendering the meat beautifully tender. Additionally, allowing the stew to rest for a while before serving allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall tenderness.
What vegetables can I add to Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
You can get creative with the vegetables in your Old Fashioned Beef Stew. While traditional recipes often call for potatoes and carrots, feel free to add other veggies like parsnips for a naturally sweet flavor, or mushrooms for an earthy twist. Try adding green beans or peas for color and additional nutrients. Leafy greens such as kale or spinach can also be tossed in during the final minutes of cooking for a fresh, nutritious boost.
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
Absolutely! Freezing Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a great way to have a delicious, comforting meal ready at a moment’s notice. Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop. Just note that the potatoes might become a bit softer than when it was freshly made, but the flavors will still be fantastic!
Conclusion for Old Fashioned Beef Stew
In summary, Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a comforting dish that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked meals. With its rich flavors, tender beef, and wholesome vegetables, this stew creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for family dinners. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or reheating leftovers, the warmth and richness of this dish are sure to please everyone at the table. Embrace the nostalgia and love that comes with preparing Old Fashioned Beef Stew, and it will undoubtedly become a cherished recipe in your household.
Classic Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe for Hearty Family Meals
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- On medium-high, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot, then add the beef, careful not to overcrowd the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Brown meat on all sides, then remove to a bowl and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot and sauté the onions. When they start to become softened (about 5 minutes), reduce the heat to medium low and add the flour. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Add garlic and thyme, and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in tomato paste.
- Add the wine and deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. The flour will start to thicken the wine as it comes to a simmer.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the broth, bay leaf, and browned beef cubes and juices. Bring back up to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for about an hour.
- Add the potatoes and carrots and simmer for another hour or until the vegetables are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
- Add frozen peas, heat for a few more minutes, then serve. To allow the flavors to fully marry, this stew is best made a day in advance.
