Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

When the craving for genuine comfort food hits, nothing satisfies quite like a steaming bowl of Old Fashioned Beef Stew. This beloved classic is everything a hearty meal should be: rich, savory chunks of beef that practically melt in your mouth, vibrant vegetables, and that irresistible, velvety gravy infused with fragrant herbs. Each spoonful is a warm embrace, conjuring up memories of cozy family gatherings and Sunday suppers. If you’re looking for a dish that delivers on flavor and tradition, Old Fashioned Beef Stew will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long list of fancy items for this soul-soothing recipe—just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each component plays a crucial role in building the deep flavor and satisfying texture that defines Old Fashioned Beef Stew.

• Beef stew meat (2 pounds, cubed chuck roast): Choose well-marbled cuts for the most tender, flavorful bites—chuck roast is perfect for stewing.
• Cornstarch (4 tablespoons, divided): This is the secret to the stew’s luscious, thick gravy; add in two batches for the perfect consistency.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Simple seasoning, but absolutely key for bringing all the flavors together.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Gives the meat a beautiful sear and adds subtle richness.
• Minced garlic (2 cloves): A little garlic goes a long way in making the stew aromatic and irresistible.
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and a gentle touch of acidity to balance the richness.
• Beef broth (4 cups): Sets the savory backbone for the stew; choose a flavorful broth for best results.
• Worcestershire sauce (1/4 cup): Adds savory umami and a bit of tang.
• Red potatoes (1 1/2 pounds, bite-sized chunks): Their waxy texture holds up beautifully and gives each bite a creamy interior.
• Pearl onions (10 ounces): Little gems that naturally sweeten as they cook, adding bursts of flavor.
• Carrots (4 medium, sliced): Classic in any stew for their sweet earthiness and bright color.
• Celery ribs (4 medium, sliced): Brings a mild, herby crunch and rounds out the vegetable medley.
• Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): Just a hint to balance acidity and highlight the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
• Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon), dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon), dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): These herbs add depth and aromatic complexity.
• Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle smokiness and warming color.
• Ground allspice (1/4 teaspoon): The unexpected touch that gives Old Fashioned Beef Stew its unique, classic flavor.
• Cold water (1/4 cup): Used to dissolve the cornstarch, ensuring a lump-free and silky finish.

How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Step 1: Season and Dust the Beef

Start by tossing your beef cubes with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This gives the meat a light coating that will help brown and thicken the stew later. Massage the seasoning in—this simple prep step is the key to flavor-packed, velvety beef bites.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Grab a large Dutch oven or heavy pot and heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot, and sear for about 5 minutes, turning them so each side gets nicely browned. This caramelization brings incredible flavor to your Old Fashioned Beef Stew.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Once your beef has a beautiful crust, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Sauté for 1 or 2 minutes, just until fragrant. The kitchen will start to smell amazing, and those aromatics are now layering magic into your stew.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Stew

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits from the bottom—these are pure flavor gold! Add in the potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle over the sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and allspice. Give it all a generous stir, ensuring the vegetables and beef are bathed in the delicious broth.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down low, cover, and let it simmer for 90 to 120 minutes. Stir occasionally and check for doneness—the beef should be fork-tender and the vegetables soft yet still holding their shape. Patience pays off here, so don’t rush!

Step 6: Thicken the Stew

Whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Slowly drizzle this into the stew while stirring so you don’t get any lumps. Let the stew cook for a few minutes longer, until it reaches that perfect, thick consistency. If you love it extra-thick, you can always add a touch more slurry.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste your Old Fashioned Beef Stew and adjust with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls while it’s piping hot—the wait is finally over!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley is the perfect vibrant finish, brightening each bowl with a splash of color and light, herbal notes. For extra luxury, a dollop of creamy horseradish or a swirl of sour cream adds a tangy, decadent edge to every serving. Never underestimate the power of a little cracked pepper right before serving!

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with Old Fashioned Beef Stew than a slice of crusty bread—think French baguette, sourdough, or homemade biscuits, all perfect for mopping up every last drop of that amazing gravy. If you’re feeling ambitious, serve your stew alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple mixed green salad to round out a truly comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up weeknight dinner by serving the stew inside bread bowls, turning dinner into something extraordinary. Or, ladle the stew over buttery egg noodles for a twist on tradition. For special occasions, serve in rustic ceramic mugs and let everyone cozy up by the fireplace—it’s Old Fashioned Beef Stew night, after all!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover stew to airtight containers while it’s still warm but not hot. Stored in the refrigerator, Old Fashioned Beef Stew tastes even better after a night or two as the flavors marry and deepen. Enjoy within 4 days for best quality.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully! Portion cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Label with the date, and enjoy your homemade comfort food for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it if needed. Stir occasionally and heat until piping hot. For quick meals, the microwave works too—just microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

What’s the best beef cut for Old Fashioned Beef Stew?

Hands down, chuck roast is your friend here—it has just the right amount of marbling to become meltingly tender during the slow simmer. Pre-cut “stew beef” is convenient, but try to use large, evenly-sized cubes for the best, most satisfying texture.

Can I make Old Fashioned Beef Stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first for maximum flavor, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for about 4 hours, adding the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to thicken.

How can I make this Old Fashioned Beef Stew gluten-free?

Great news: this recipe already uses cornstarch instead of flour as a thickener, so it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free too. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be sure!

Is it okay to swap out vegetables?

Of course! Stew welcomes all sorts of vegetables. Try adding parsnips, turnips, frozen peas, or mushrooms for your own family twist. Just add tender veggies like peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they don’t become mushy.

What can I do if my stew is too thick (or too thin)?

If it’s too thick, simply stir in a little extra beef broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s on the thin side, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, or add a bit more cornstarch slurry—just go slowly to avoid over-thickening.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly special about gathering around the table, big bowls of Old Fashioned Beef Stew in hand, sharing stories and laughter while the world slows down outside. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying, don’t wait—treat yourself and your loved ones to a pot of homemade Old Fashioned Beef Stew. Cozy memories await!

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