If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, flavorful hug, this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is just the thing to cozy up your evening. Packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth that’s simmered to perfection, every bite bursts with classic, nostalgic goodness. It’s a dish that brings people around the table together and makes any day feel special, no matter the season. Trust me, once you try this stew, it’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for homey, satisfying dinners.

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe comes to life beautifully. Each ingredient plays a vital role to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make every spoonful irresistible.

2 lbs beef chuck: Use well-marbled beef chuck for tender, juicy stew meat that melts in your mouth.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps brown the beef and thickens the stew for a luscious consistency.
2 tbsp olive oil: Necessary for a rich sear on the beef, locking in flavor.
1 onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base that softens perfectly during cooking.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth to every bite.
4 cups beef broth: Creates the rich, hearty stew liquid essential to the dish.
1 cup red wine (optional): Brings complexity and a subtle tang that enhances the beef’s richness.
3 large carrots, sliced: Introduces gentle sweetness and bright orange color.
3 potatoes, diced: Adds creaminess and body to the stew.
2 celery stalks, chopped: Offers a slight crunch and fresh flavor balance.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Deepens the stew’s color and infuses a mild umami punch.
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, tangy dimension that rounds out the flavors.
1 tsp dried thyme: A classic herb that brings earthiness and warmth.
1 tsp dried rosemary: Offers fragrant pine notes that complement the beef perfectly.
2 bay leaves: Infuse the stew with subtle herbal depth as it simmers.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to make all flavors shine.
1 cup frozen peas (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: The final fresh garnish that ties everything together.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Beef

Start by tossing those beautiful beef cubes with the all-purpose flour, along with some salt and black pepper. This simple coating creates a lovely crust when seared and is the secret to that rich, thick gravy everyone loves in a classic stew.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Sear the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot so each piece gets that deep brown color. This browning creates intense flavor that forms the stew’s foundation. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, soften the chopped onion by cooking it for about 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, allowing those aromas to bloom and make your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 4: Build the Base

Now, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. This blend of ingredients really layers in classic stew flavors and ensures a fragrant, rich base that’s nothing short of amazing.

Step 5: Add the Liquid

Pour in the beef broth and the optional red wine, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits hold so much concentrated flavor—don’t let them go to waste! The wine adds a luxurious depth, but you can skip it if preferred.

Step 6: Simmer the Stew

Return the browned beef to the pot, bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the stew cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmer breaks down the meat’s connective tissue, making it fall-apart tender and thoroughly infused with those fragrant herbs and broth.

Step 7: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is tender, stir in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue cooking for another 45 minutes, until these veggies are soft but still holding their shape. This step ensures every element of your Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is perfectly cooked and hearty.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Finally, toss in the frozen peas for a quick 5-minute cook just to warm them through and add a fresh pop of green. Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Your stew is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is always a winner, adding a beautiful burst of color and a fresh, herby brightness to the rich stew. For an extra indulgent touch, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar cheese can create a delightful contrast to the savory broth.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or over creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent meal. You can also serve it alongside buttered egg noodles or a simple green salad to add a light, refreshing balance to the hearty stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic yet charming presentation, serve your Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or mini crock pots, perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. Sprinkling extra fresh herbs or offering a side of horseradish cream can elevate this classic comfort dish to something truly memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and simply reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Freezing

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent the meat from drying out. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick. Microwave reheating works too, just in shorter intervals to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking, you can use brisket or round roast in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as these cuts can vary in texture.

Is the red wine necessary in this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe?

Not at all—it’s optional. The red wine adds a lovely richness and depth, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, just replace it with extra beef broth and your stew will still be delicious.

How thick should the stew be?

The stew should have a nice, hearty consistency that’s not too watery or dry. The flour coating on the beef helps naturally thicken the sauce, but if you want it thicker, you can mash a few potatoes into the broth or let it simmer uncovered for a bit at the end.

Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add the peas in the last 15 minutes to keep them fresh and bright.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing flavor?

Low and slow is key! Gently warm the stew on the stove adding a bit of liquid if needed. This preserves tenderness and keeps the flavors vibrant. Avoid high heat or microwave reheating without stirring, which can cause uneven warming.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm embrace, this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is a must-try. Its classic flavors, simple ingredients, and soul-satisfying richness make it a timeless dish that your family and friends will adore. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and dive into a pot of this hearty stew that’s perfect for any cozy night in!

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

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3.8 from 59 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef chuck simmered with fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, it brings together classic herbs, red wine, and robust seasonings for a satisfying meal that warms the soul.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Coating

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Base

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves

Liquids

4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)

Vegetables

3 large carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Garnish

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Coat the Beef: Toss the beef cubes with the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to create a light coating that will help thicken the stew and add flavor.
Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef pieces until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, cook the chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release fragrant aromas.
Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves to the onions and garlic, cooking briefly to combine the flavors.
Add the Liquid: Pour in the beef broth and red wine, if using, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate browned bits stuck to the surface; this adds richness to the stew.
Simmer the Stew: Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery to the pot. Continue cooking, covered, for another 45 minutes until the vegetables and beef are fully tender.
Finish & Serve: Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes until heated through. Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a thicker stew, mix an extra tablespoon of flour with cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Red wine is optional but adds depth of flavor; substitute with more beef broth if preferred.
Use fresh herbs if available for a more aromatic stew.
Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American