Old Fashioned Beef Stew: Cozy Comfort in a Pot

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a bubbling pot of Old Fashioned Beef Stew on a chilly evening. The rich scent of tender beef mingling with hearty vegetables fills the air, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. This comforting dish has always been loved for its cozy, homey feel, and it’s perfect when the nights start to get longer.

This stew is all about simplicity and heartiness. It’s made with chuck roast, potatoes, and carrots, simmered to perfection until everything is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Just like the version grandma made, but without fussing over the stove all day. Best of all, it’s a one-pot wonder, using everyday pantry staples that’ll have you feeling like a culinary whiz!

I started making this stew back in 2012 when the weather turned brisk. One cold November evening, I served it at a family gathering, and the plates were wiped clean in no time. The secret? Browning the beef well for extra flavorsuch a game changer! I’ve been sharing this cozy recipe ever since, especially for those busy weeknights when you crave something nourishing and comforting.

Olivia Farnsworth

Old Fashioned Beef Stew: Irresistible Recipe Idea

This classic Old Fashioned Beef Stew is the perfect easy one pot old fashioned beef dinner, combining tender chunks of chuck roast with classic beef stew potatoes carrots onions. Enjoy a hearty homemade beef stew chuck roast simmered slowly with traditional herbs and vegetables, making it a comforting main dish ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 316

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds beef stew meat cubed chuck roast
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes cut into bite-sized chunks
• 10 ounces pearl onions
• 4 medium carrots sliced
• 4 medium celery ribs sliced
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 cup cold water

Method

 

1. Coat the beef stew meat with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, then sprinkle salt and black pepper over it.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot on medium-high heat, add the beef, and cook until all sides are evenly browned, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
3. Add minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot, stirring and cooking until the mixture becomes fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the skillet bottom to loosen browned bits. Then add the red potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle in sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and allspice, mixing everything well.
5. Bring the stew up to a vigorous boil over high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender.
6. Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Slowly stir this slurry into the stew, continuing to cook on low heat until the broth thickens, just a few minutes.
7. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot and enjoy.

Notes

• For best flavor, simmer the stew slowly and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This stew freezes well for future meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The rich taste of tender beef and hearty veggies can transport you back to cozy family dinners.
• Easy one-pot meal: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breezeperfect for busy weeknights.
• Hearty and nourishing: This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is packed with protein and vegetables, ideal for fueling your day.
• Great for meal prep: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for leftovers.

Key Ingredients & Tools

• Beef stew meat: Look for chuck roast; it becomes tender and flavorful with slow cooking.
• Vegetables: Red potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, and celery add both flavor and nutrition.
• Seasonings: Simple herbs and spices lift the stew, ensuring every bite is savory and comforting.
• Tools you’ll need: A large pot or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a small bowl for mixing your cornstarch slurry.

How It Works Step-by-Step

1. Prep the beef: Dust your cubed chuck roast with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Sear the beef: Heat oil in your pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides for about 5 minutesa crucial step for rich flavor!
3. Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another couple of minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to scrape up those tasty browned bits, then add in your veggies and seasonings.
5. Slow cook: Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
6. Thicken the stew: Finally, mix the remaining cornstarch with cold water, stir it into the stew, and watch it thicken beautifully!

Troubleshooting & Tweaks

• Need thicker stew? If your stew isn’t as thick as you’d like after adding the cornstarch slurry, let it simmer for a few more minutes.
• Too salty? Add a splash of water or beef broth to balance the flavor.
• Short on time? You can speed up the cooking by using a pressure cooker instead of simmering on the stove.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serving suggestions: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up all that delicious broth!
• Storage: Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 daysperfect for quick lunches.
• Freezing: The stew freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Step Summary

Expert Says

An Old Fashioned Beef Stew benefits from slow cooking, which allows collagen from tougher cuts of meat to break down into gelatin. This not only enhances the stew’s rich flavor but also gives it a luscious, velvety texture that balances perfectly with the vegetables and broth.

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The Heartwarming Journey to Old Fashioned Beef Stew

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew took me many attempts to perfect, but each misstep brought me closer to that rich, savory flavor I remember from childhood. I learned that the secret is to let it simmer slowly, allowing the aromas to fill the kitchen and warm the heart. Now, it’s a family favorite that never disappoints.

FAQs ( Old Fashioned Beef Stew )

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew truly encapsulates the essence of home, with its inviting aroma and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. After just a couple of hours simmering, you’ll have a bowl of comfort that will warm your heart and soul.

Feel free to add a splash of red wine for a richer flavor or toss in some peas for a pop of color! And if you have leftovers, simply reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to restore its magic. Trust me, your family will thank you for this delicious tradition.

I’d love to see your own versions of this stew! Did you grow up with a family recipe like this? Share your photos and memories, and don’t forget to save this recipe for a cozy night with loved ones. Warm wishes from my kitchen to yours!