There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of rustic old fashioned beef stew. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty meal. Packed with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich broth, this stew is both easy to make and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup peas (optional)
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Rustic Old Fashioned Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1 – Sear the Beef
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, until the cubes are browned on all sides. This process helps lock in the flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2 – Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, approximately 3-5 minutes. These aromatics will form the base of your stew, infusing the broth with deep, savory flavors.
Step 3 – Build the Broth
Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir it into the onions and garlic. This will create a rich foundation for the stew. Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4 – Add the Vegetables
Once the broth is simmering, return the beef to the pot. Add in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. These vegetables will soak up the delicious broth while cooking, becoming tender and complementing the beef perfectly. Simmer for about 1 hour, or until the vegetables are soft and the beef is tender.
Step 5 – Finish and Serve
Add the peas in the last few minutes of cooking, if desired. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, ideally with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Serve Rustic Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Serve this rustic old fashioned beef stew in deep bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Pair with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a more substantial meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For optimum flavor, always sear the beef well. Using a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven will maintain heat better and help in creating a deep, rich flavor profile. Consider adding a splash of red wine to the broth for added depth.
High Protein Powerhouse: Bulk Up Your Rustic Beef Stew
To turn this stew into a high-protein powerhouse, consider adding cooked beans such as kidney or cannellini beans. These not only increase the protein content but also add another dimension to the texture of your stew.
Alternatively, swap out the beef chuck for a leaner cut of beef if you want to minimize the fat content while keeping the protein levels up. Just remember, a leaner cut may require slower cooking to ensure tenderness.
Trim the Carbs: Low-Carb Version of Old Fashioned Beef Stew
For a low-carb twist, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets. You can either dice them to mimic the look of diced potatoes or add them in larger pieces to enjoy their natural, subtle flavors.
Another great low-carb addition is turnips or parsnips, as they have fewer carbs than potatoes but still maintain a satisfying texture when cooked to tenderness.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer preservation, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a splash of broth if needed to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Simply transfer everything to a slow cooker after searing the beef and follow the recipe as directed. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What type of beef is best for stew?
Beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness after long cooking, but you can use any stewing beef that you prefer.
How can I thicken my beef stew?
If you’d like a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in towards the end of cooking.
Do vegetables need to be pre-cooked before adding to the stew?
No, the vegetables will cook in the stew and absorb the flavors as it simmers.
Your Perfect Comfort Meal is Ready! Share it with Your Loved Ones!
This rustic old fashioned beef stew brings comfort in a bowl and certainly hits all the right notes with its satisfying flavors and nourishing ingredients. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your family and friends so they can experience the warmth and nostalgia that comes with a classic homemade stew. Feel free to leave your comments below and let us know how your stew turned out!
Rustic Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- vegetable oil
- salt and pepper
- onion
- garlic
- beef broth
- tomato paste
- dried thyme
- carrots
- potatoes
- celery stalks
- peas
Instructions
Steps
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the same pot. Sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the beef broth and add thyme. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Return beef to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Simmer for about 1 hour.
- Add peas and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.