Introduction:
Nothing warms the soul like a bowl of Old-Fashioned Beef Stew! Packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this dish is slow-simmered to perfection. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 2–3 hours (stovetop) or 8 hours (slow cooker)
⏲ Total Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
🍽 Servings: 6
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~400 kcal (approx.)
🥩 Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes 🥩
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour 🌾
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🛢
- 1 small onion, diced 🧅
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 4 cups beef broth 🥣
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth) 🍷
- 2 tbsp tomato paste 🍅
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 🥄
- 1 tsp dried thyme 🌿
- 1 tsp dried rosemary 🌿
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced 🥕
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 🥔
- 1 cup frozen peas 🟢
- 1 bay leaf 🍃
- Salt & black pepper, to taste 🧂
📝 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef:
- Pat the beef cubes dry and season with salt & pepper. Toss in flour to coat lightly.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3️⃣ Build the Broth:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add beef broth and return the beef to the pot.
4️⃣ Simmer for Tenderness:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Add Vegetables:
- Stir in carrots and potatoes. Simmer uncovered for another 30–40 minutes until veggies are tender.
6️⃣ Finish & Serve:
- Stir in frozen peas for the last 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve warm!
🤩 Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew:
✅ Deep, Rich Flavor: Slow-simmered broth infused with herbs and aromatics.
✅ Ultra-Tender Beef: Cooking low and slow makes every bite melt in your mouth.
✅ Classic Comfort Food: A nostalgic, hearty meal perfect for any season.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!
💡 Tips:
🥄 Slow Cooker Method: Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours after browning the beef.
🍷 No Wine? Replace with extra beef broth for a rich, alcohol-free version.
🌿 Thicker Stew? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in before serving.
Enjoy your Old-Fashioned Beef Stew—a warm, comforting, and satisfying meal that brings back memories of home-cooked goodness! 🥣✨