There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of old-fashioned beef stew to satisfy your cravings. This classic dish combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory herbs in a rich broth, creating a meal that’s perfect for those chilly evenings. Plus, it’s easy to make and even easier to love!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound carrots, sliced
- 1 pound potatoes, diced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Old-Fashioned Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1:
Prepare your ingredients by chopping the vegetables and cutting the beef into cubes. Put the beef into a large bowl and season it with salt and pepper generously, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
Step 2:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning each piece on all sides before removing it from the pot. This searing process will lock in the flavors and create a delicious base for your stew.
Step 3:
In the same pot, add your onions and garlic, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and begin to release their aromatic essence.
Step 4:
Pour the red wine into the pot to deglaze, scraping the bottom to release those savory bits stuck to the pot. Let it simmer until slightly reduced, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 5:
Return the beef to the pot, then add the carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 6:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender, and the vegetables are cooked through.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
Serve your old-fashioned beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair with a crusty loaf of bread or a side salad to complete your meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or when you’re hosting friends and family.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For additional depth of flavor, consider adding mushrooms or parsnips to your stew. If you desire a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of flour with a cup of cold water, and stir it into the stew during the last half-hour of cooking.
Packed with Power: High-Protein Beef Stew Version
For those aiming to increase their protein intake, this beef stew can be enhanced with protein-rich ingredients like beans or lentils. Simply add a can of your favorite beans directly into the stew alongside the beef broth, or substitute some of the vegetables with diced cooked lentils.
Low-Carb Delight: Carbless Take on the Classic Beef Stew
Looking to enjoy a classic dish while keeping carbs in check? Swap out the potatoes and carrots for low-carb alternatives like cauliflower and zucchini. This version maintains all the heartwarming qualities of traditional stew without the added carbs, making it diaphragm-friendly!
Storage Instructions
This stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.
FAQs
- Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or until the beef is tender.
- What can I use instead of red wine? Use additional beef broth or a splash of red wine vinegar for an acidity balance instead of red wine.
- Can I make this stew gluten-free? Absolutely! Ensure that your beef broth is gluten-free and omit any flour-based thickening agents.
- What other vegetables can I add? Celery, peas, or bell peppers make great additions to this stew.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
This old-fashioned beef stew does more than satisfy hunger; it fills the home with warmth and the aroma of comfort. Crafted thoughtfully with love and fresh ingredients, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your household. 💖 Share this unforgettable recipe with your friends and family and let the cooking adventures begin!
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- vegetable oil
- carrots
- potatoes
- onions
- garlic
- beef broth
- red wine
- tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- thyme
- rosemary
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the vegetables and cutting the beef into cubes. Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove when browned.
- Add onions and garlic to the pot, cooking until translucent and fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping the bottom. Simmer until reduced by half.
- Return beef to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours until the beef is tender.