Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is a classic comfort food recipe that brings together tender beef, hearty root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this homemade beef stew is guaranteed to satisfy!
Ingredients
For the Stew:
2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round), cut into 1-2 inch cubes
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 cups water
2 medium carrots, peeled & sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled & cubed
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste (for a richer flavor)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Homemade Beef Stew
Brown the Beef:
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
Season beef cubes with salt & black pepper, then brown them in batches (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Don’t overcrowd the pan! Remove & set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, heat the remaining oil. Add chopped onion & cook for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic & cook for another minute.
Mix in tomato paste & let it cook for 2 minutes for a deeper flavor.
Add the Broth & Seasonings:
Return the browned beef to the pot.
Pour in beef broth & water, scraping up any browned bits.
Add carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and more salt & pepper. Stir well!
Simmer Until Tender:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover & simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.
Thicken the Stew (Optional):
Want a thicker stew? Mix flour with water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Final Touches & Serving:
Taste & adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley & serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Method: Brown the beef & sauté veggies as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Extra Hearty? Add mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans for more flavor & texture.
This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is hearty, flavorful, and the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights. A one-pot wonder that’s great for leftovers & even better the next day!
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