Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Here’s a hearty, comforting recipe for Old-Fashioned Beef Stew — the kind your grandmother might have made. Tender beef, chunky vegetables, and a rich, savory broth come together in one pot for the perfect cold-weather meal.

🥣 Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

🍽️ Serves: 6

🕒 Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

👨‍🍳 Method: Stovetop or Dutch oven (oven method included below)

🧾 Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes)

• 2–3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup dry red wine (or extra broth)

• 4 cups beef broth (1 liter)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)

• 3–4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 3–4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 stalks celery, sliced

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds depth)

• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

🔪 Instructions:

🔹 1. Prep and Brown the Beef

1. Pat beef dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Lightly dredge beef in flour, shaking off excess.

3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat.

4. Brown beef in batches (don’t crowd the pan). Set aside.

🔹 2. Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add another 1 tbsp oil if needed.

2. Sauté onion for 5–6 minutes, scraping up brown bits.

3. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1–2 minutes more.

🔹 3. Deglaze and Simmer

1. Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom. Let simmer 2–3 minutes.

2. Return beef to the pot.

3. Add broth, bay leaves, thyme, and Worcestershire (if using).

4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

🔹 4. Add Vegetables

• Add carrots, potatoes, and celery.

• Simmer uncovered for another 45–60 minutes, or until everything is tender and stew is thickened.

🔹 5. Finish and Serve

• Stir in peas during the last 5 minutes.

• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

• Remove bay leaves before serving.

• Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

🔥 Optional Oven Method:

• After step 3, transfer covered pot to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).

• Bake for 2.5 hours, adding vegetables halfway through.

🥖 What to Serve With:

• Crusty bread or biscuits

• Mashed potatoes (if not using potatoes in the stew)

• A green salad for balance