Description
This hearty Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and savory herbs, it’s a perfect meal for a cozy dinner. Simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth, this stew will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 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.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
- Deglaze the Pan: Stir in the tomato paste, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add flavor.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, celery, peas, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2-2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your hearty stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs perfectly with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or green beans for added variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Beef Stew, Old-Fashioned Beef Stew, Comfort Food, Hearty Stew, Homemade Stew, Winter Meal