Here’s a classic recipe for Old-Fashioned Beef Stew — rich, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners 🍲🥩. This is the kind of stew that simmers low and slow, giving tender beef and deeply flavorful broth.
🥘 Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
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2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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3 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups beef broth
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1 cup red wine (optional, adds depth)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp dried thyme
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2 bay leaves
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4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
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3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 stalks celery, chopped
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Optional: 1 cup peas (added at the end)
Instructions
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Prepare the beef:
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Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches, then remove and set aside.
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Cook aromatics:
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In the same pot, sauté onion until softened (about 5 minutes).
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Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Deglaze and build flavor:
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Stir in tomato paste and cook 1-2 minutes.
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Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape up browned bits from the bottom.
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Return beef to the pot and add beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
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Simmer:
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours, until beef is tender.
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Add vegetables:
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Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue simmering for another 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
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Finish:
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Optional: stir in peas for the last 5 minutes.
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Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves before serving.
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🍴 Tips
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Thicker stew: Mix 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch with a little water and stir in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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Extra richness: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pat of butter at the end enhances flavor.
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Slow cooker version: Brown beef and sauté aromatics, then combine everything in a slow cooker on low 6–8 hours.
If you like, I can also give a truly old-fashioned rustic version where the stew is cooked entirely in the oven for a deep, roasted flavor. Do you want that?
