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Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe – A Hearty Classic Comfort Food Dinner
There’s something timeless about a pot of old-fashioned beef stew simmering on the stove. The aroma of slow-cooked beef, onions, garlic, and herbs fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This classic beef stew recipe is the definition of comfort food — rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, planning a weekend meal prep, or simply craving a bowl of homemade beef stew from scratch, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and texture. Tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a thick, savory gravy come together in one pot to create a meal that feels both rustic and refined.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make the best hearty beef stew at home, this detailed guide will walk you through every step — from choosing the right cut of beef to achieving that deeply flavorful broth.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Stew Recipe
- Rich, slow-simmered flavor
- Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef
- Simple pantry ingredients
- One-pot comfort food
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
This comfort food dinner recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or anytime you want something filling and satisfying.
The Secret to Perfect Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
The key to making authentic old-fashioned beef stew lies in three essential elements:
1. The Right Cut of Beef
Use beef chuck. It contains enough connective tissue and marbling to become incredibly tender when simmered slowly.
2. Proper Browning
Searing the beef before simmering creates deep, caramelized flavor. Don’t skip this step.
3. Low and Slow Cooking
Patience is crucial. Slow simmering allows flavors to develop and the beef to become fork-tender.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. - Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. - Add Tomato Paste
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. - Thicken the Base
Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well, cooking for another minute to eliminate raw flour taste. - Deglaze and Add Liquids
Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce. - Return Beef to Pot
Add the seared beef back into the pot. Toss in bay leaves and thyme. - Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ hours. - Add Vegetables
Stir in carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue simmering uncovered for 45–60 minutes until vegetables are tender and beef is fork-soft. - Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Homemade Beef Stew from Scratch
Don’t Rush the Browning
Deep color equals deep flavor.
Use Homemade Stock if Possible
It enhances the richness of your hearty beef stew.
Let It Rest
Beef stew tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
Variations to Try
1. Red Wine Beef Stew
Replace 1 cup of broth with dry red wine for deeper flavor.
2. Slow Cooker Version
After browning, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7–8 hours.
3. Gluten-Free Option
Replace flour with cornstarch slurry.
4. Herb-Forward Stew
Add fresh rosemary or extra thyme for aromatic intensity.
Serving Suggestions
Old-fashioned beef stew is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Crusty artisan bread
- Buttered egg noodles
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- A simple green salad
For a comforting winter meal, serve with warm bread and a cozy blanket.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on stovetop, adding broth if needed.
Fun Fact About Beef Stew
Beef stew has been a staple comfort food for centuries. Variations exist worldwide, including French Boeuf Bourguignon and Hungarian Goulash, both showcasing the universal love for slow-simmered beef dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my beef tough?
It likely needs more cooking time. Tough beef becomes tender with slow simmering.
How do I thicken beef stew?
Simmer uncovered longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. It’s even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
This old-fashioned beef stew recipe captures everything we love about classic comfort food. It’s hearty, rich, and deeply satisfying. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll create a homemade beef stew from scratch that tastes like it’s been passed down for generations.
Make a big pot, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every warm, savory bite.
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
A rich and hearty old-fashioned beef stew made with tender beef, vegetables, and savory gravy slow-simmered to perfection.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Brown beef in batches in heated olive oil.
- Sauté onion and garlic.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.
- Sprinkle flour and stir to combine.
- Add broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well.
- Return beef, add herbs, and simmer covered 90 minutes.
- Add vegetables and simmer 45–60 minutes until tender.
Notes
Stew tastes even better the next day. Freeze for up to 3 months.
