Oh my goodness, where do I even *begin* with Old Fashioned Beef Stew? It’s seriously one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. I’ve been making this recipe since I was a kid, watching my grandma in the kitchen, and let me tell you, it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening or even a cozy weekend lunch! I always think of her slow cooking the stew on the stove. And the best part? It’s so easy! You can whip it up on a busy weeknight and still feel like you’ve created something amazing. From potlucks to family gatherings to a simple weeknight treat, this *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* is always a winner. Trust me; you’re going to love it.
Why You’ll Love This *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* Recipe
Okay, so beyond the fact that it’s ridiculously delicious, here’s why this *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* needs to be in your regular rotation:
- It’s super easy to make! Seriously, minimal effort for maximum flavor.
- The taste? Pure comfort food bliss. Think tender beef, hearty veggies, and a rich, savory broth.
- You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Score!
- It’s incredibly versatile. Add what you like, swap things out – it’s all good.
- It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, or even a casual dinner party. Everyone will be impressed.
Ingredients for the Best *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* is all about simple, good-quality stuff. You won’t need a million things, I promise! Here’s the line-up:
- 1.5 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into those lovely 1-inch cubes.
- 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped – the foundation of flavor, right there!
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
- 6 whole cups of low-sodium beef broth – gotta control that salt!
- 1 lb of your favorite potatoes, peeled and cubed (I love Yukon Golds for this!).
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
- Salt and pepper to taste, of course! Season generously!
- And, if you want a thicker stew, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (mixed with 1/4 cup cold water).
How to Make the Perfect *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friends, let’s get cooking! This *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* is simple to make, but the key is taking your time. Don’t rush these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with the most amazing, melt-in-your-mouth stew ever. Here’s how I do it…
Preparing the Beef and Vegetables
First up, the prep work! Grab your beef stew meat, and season it generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; you want to season every single piece, ya know? Next, put your olive oil into a big pot or Dutch oven, and get that heat up to medium-high. Now, brown your beef in batches – this is SUPER important! Don’t overcrowd the pot; otherwise, the meat will just steam instead of sear. Sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned. Then, take the beef out and set it aside.
Next step: the veggies. Throw in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Mmm, the smell is heavenly!
Simmering the *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* to Perfection
Time to bring everything together. Put the browned beef back into the pot with all those lovely veggies. Now, pour in your beef broth – I like to use low-sodium, that way I can control the salt. Then, toss in your thyme and rosemary, give it a good stir, and bring everything to a boil. After it’s bubbling, turn that heat way down, so it simmers. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 1.5 hours – or even longer, if you have time! The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef will get.
About halfway through, check the beef. If it’s already starting to get tender, you can add your potatoes. Put them in and gently simmer until the potatoes are nice and soft. This usually takes about another 30-45 minutes.
Thickening and Seasoning the Stew
So, you’ve got your beef and potatoes all tender and lovely. Your stew is almost ready! Now, if you like a thicker stew (and I usually do!), here’s a little trick. In a small bowl, whisk together your cornstarch and cold water until it’s a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the stew while stirring constantly. That way, there won’t be any lumps, right? Now, let the stew simmer for a few more minutes until it’s the thickness you like.
And finally, taste your *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* and season with salt and pepper to perfection. Taste again if need be! You might want a little more salt – or maybe even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick! Now, serve it hot, and get ready for pure deliciousness!
Tips for Success: Making the Best *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*
Okay, friends, wanna know the secrets to a truly amazing *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*? First, let’s talk about browning that beef – it’s KEY! Don’t rush it! Gotta get a nice, deep brown crust on those pieces. That’s where all the flavor lives. I usually use a good quality chuck roast or stew meat – ask your butcher, they’ll know! Make sure the beef isn’t too crowded in the pan, otherwise, it won’t brown properly. Also, don’t be afraid with the seasoning; make sure to season your beef generously before browning. And the most important tip? Be patient and let it simmer! The longer it simmers, the more delicious that stew will be.
Variations on *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*: Customize Your Dish
Okay, so, you’ve got the basic *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* down, but let’s have some fun! You can totally tailor it to your tastes. Love mushrooms? Toss them in! Parsnips? Absolutely! I sometimes throw in a bay leaf or two while it’s simmering, too, for a little extra oomph. For a richer flavor, you could even add a splash of red wine during the simmering phase – yum! Or, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a dash of Worcestershire sauce. The possibilities are endless; seriously, have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions for Your *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*
Okay, so, you’ve slaved away in the kitchen, and now your *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* is ready! But what to serve with it? Don’t worry, I got you covered! You absolutely *need* some crusty bread for soaking up all that amazing broth – seriously, a MUST! Otherwise, creamy mashed potatoes and a simple side salad are always a great pairing. And you can’t go wrong with grilled cheese sandwiches either! Mmm, comfort food heaven!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*
Okay, so, you’ve got leftovers, lucky you! To store your amazing *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*, just let it cool down completely, and then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll be perfectly happy in your fridge for about 3-4 days (if it lasts that long!).
When you’re ready to eat again, you can easily reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works great too! Just heat it in intervals, stirring in between, until it’s steaming hot and ready to go. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*
Okay, so, you’ve got questions about this *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*? Don’t worry, I get it! Here are some of the most common ones I hear, plus a few extra tips and tricks to make sure your stew turns out *perfect*.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! I love my slow cooker! You can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies on the stovetop first. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker, add the beef broth, herbs, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the potatoes in the last 2-3 hours of cooking. You might need to thicken the stew a little more by using a cornstarch slurry at the end. Easy peasy!
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No beef broth? No problem! You can totally substitute it with chicken broth or even vegetable broth. Just know that the flavor will be a little different. Another trick is to use water and a beef bouillon cube or a spoonful of beef base. It’ll do the trick!
How can I make the stew thicker?
If you’re finding that your *Old Fashioned Beef Stew* isn’t thick enough, there are a few things you can do. You can always use the cornstarch slurry, as mentioned in the instructions. You could also mash some of the potatoes after they’ve cooked to help thicken the stew. It works beautifully! Sometimes I do both – no judgement here. Sometimes, just letting the stew simmer uncovered for a bit longer will do the trick, too!
Can I add other kinds of meat to my stew?
Sure thing! I have known some folks to mix pork and beef! You can definitely experiment! Try a little Italian sausage or a ham hock for a great smoky flavor! Be aware that other meats might take different cooking times!
Estimated Nutritional Information for *Old Fashioned Beef Stew*
Heads-up! The nutritional info below is just an estimate, and it can change depending on the ingredients and brands you use. It’s just a general idea, okay? Just know it’s probably pretty darn wholesome and delicious, though!
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Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic, hearty beef stew recipe.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches. Remove beef and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, add thyme and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Add potatoes and continue to simmer until potatoes and beef are tender, about 30-45 minutes.
- If you want a thicker stew, whisk cornstarch with cold water. Stir into the stew and cook until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
- You can add other vegetables like peas or green beans.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: beef stew, stew recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, old fashioned