There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a classic beef stew simmering on the stove. This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew recipe is the epitome of comfort food, offering rich, hearty flavors that will warm you from the inside out. It’s a timeless dish that’s perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or when you’re craving a satisfying, soul-warming meal. With tender beef chuck, savory vegetables, and a savory broth, this stew is guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds sing.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a role in building deep, complex flavors. The beef chuck is browned to perfection, and the vegetables absorb the savory broth as it simmers, creating a hearty and filling meal. It’s an easy-to-make, slow-cooked classic that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you serve it with a side of crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over rice, this beef stew is sure to become a beloved go-to in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Comforting

This stew is the definition of comfort food, with tender beef, rich broth, and hearty vegetables that warm you up from the inside out.

2. Flavorful Depth

Browning the beef and deglazing the pan adds layers of flavor to the broth, making each bite rich and satisfying.

3. Easy to Make

With just a few simple steps and ingredients, this stew requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.

4. Perfect for Leftovers

The flavors only get better the next day, so it’s ideal for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

5. Customizable

You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by adding more vegetables or adjusting seasonings.

Ingredients

Beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Olive oil
Large onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Beef broth
Carrots (sliced)
Potatoes (diced)
Celery (chopped)
Fresh or frozen peas
Tomato paste
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary
Bay leaves
Salt and pepper
Worcestershire sauce
Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Variations

Vegetable Add-ins: You can add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little heat in your stew.
Herbs and Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs like sage, marjoram, or bay leaf to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Meat

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, searing them on all sides until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Stir in the tomato paste, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to release all that extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, peas, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Cook the Stew

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are fully developed.

Step 6: Thicken (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken the broth.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your hearty old-fashioned beef stew with crusty bread, over mashed potatoes, or as is for a comforting meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Sear the Beef Well: Browning the beef is an important step to develop the deep, rich flavor in the stew. Make sure not to rush this step!
Use a Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot: A sturdy pot helps ensure even cooking and prevents burning.
Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce: It adds a savory, umami depth that enhances the overall flavor of the stew.
Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner broth, skip the cornstarch. If you like a thicker stew, the slurry method works great.
Simmer Slowly: Let the stew cook slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and ensure the beef is tender.

How to Serve

This savory stew can be served in bowls on its own, or you can pair it with a side of crusty bread for dipping or mashed potatoes for a filling meal. For a lighter option, serve it over rice or a side salad for a balance of textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the beef stew for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stew on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. If it’s too thick after freezing, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, other cuts of beef like round roast or brisket can be used, but beef chuck is ideal for stew because it becomes tender after slow cooking.

2. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips to enhance the flavor and texture of the stew.

3. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

4. Can I add beans to the stew?

Yes, you can add beans like kidney beans or white beans for extra protein and texture. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version of this stew.

6. Can I make this stew gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are gluten-free.

7. How can I make the stew spicier?

To add heat, try incorporating red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or fresh chili peppers.

8. What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the stew?

You can use arrowroot powder or flour as an alternative to cornstarch for thickening.

9. Can I add wine to the stew?

Yes, a splash of red wine can be added after sautéing the vegetables for extra depth of flavor. Let it reduce for a few minutes before adding the broth.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to improve as it sits.

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is the perfect recipe for a cozy, comforting meal. With tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a classic dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a weeknight dinner, this stew is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.