Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Introduction

Few dishes comfort and satisfy quite like a steaming pot of Old Fashioned Beef Stew. This classic recipe is all about slow-cooked, hearty flavors—tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory broth—making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser on chilly evenings or family get-togethers.

This beef stew is simple to prepare, fills your home with irresistible aroma, and delivers robust flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re batch-cooking for the week or seeking a rustic centerpiece for Sunday supper, this dish never disappoints.

Why Old Fashioned Beef Stew Is a Timeless Classic

The secret behind an unforgettable beef stew lies in its depth of flavor—achieved through careful browning and gentle simmering. Classic root vegetables pair beautifully with juicy chunks of beef, while fresh herbs and a slow cook yield melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

Every bite offers a medley of textures: fork-tender beef, earthy carrots, and velvety potatoes cocooned in a deeply flavorful broth. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’ll have a meal that warms from the inside out.

Essential Prep: Chopping and Searing

Preparation is key for a perfect stew. Begin by dicing onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery evenly. For efficient and uniform chopping, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is particularly helpful, saving valuable time and ensuring all your vegetables cook at the same rate.

When searing your beef cubes, use a heavy-bottomed skillet such as the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet to lock in big, savory flavors. Well-browned meat is the flavor foundation for your stew, so don’t rush this step.

Simmering for Maximum Flavor

Transfer your seared beef and prepped vegetables to a large stew pot. Allow everything to simmer slowly—either on the stovetop or in a Dutch oven—until the flavors meld and the ingredients become meltingly tender. For stirring without damage to your cookware, a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher helps mix ingredients evenly, breaking up any lumps and ensuring consistent texture.

If you’re tight on time, using the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart cuts the cooking time dramatically without sacrificing that classic, slow-cooked taste.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Pair your Old Fashioned Beef Stew with thick slices of buttered bread for soaking up every drop of broth, or spoon it atop creamy mashed potatoes for an extra-indulgent meal.

To store leftovers, portion the stew into airtight containers like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup). This not only keeps your stew fresh but also makes reheating and meal prep a breeze.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings. Each serving contains approximately 400–500 calories, depending on the cut of beef and quantity of starchy vegetables used. It’s rich in protein and loaded with vitamins from the colorful array of vegetables.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew (Recap)

Old Fashioned Beef Stew stands out because of its time-honored method—layering flavors slowly for maximum depth and tenderness. With each bowl offering comfort and satisfaction, it’s a satisfying classic for any table.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to a large stew pot or Dutch oven.
2. In the same skillet, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Transfer vegetables to the stew pot with the beef. Add diced potatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, red wine (if using), bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and let cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and flavors meld. To break up meat or potatoes for a thicker consistency, use the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher.
5. If a thicker stew is desired, mix flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir into stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
7. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) once cooled. Stew flavor improves after resting overnight in the refrigerator.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Enjoy the rich, cozy flavors of Old Fashioned Beef Stew—a dish that never goes out of style.