Old Fashioned Beef Stew

A classic, hearty beef stew made with tender beef, vegetables, and a savory broth. Perfect for warming up on a cold day.

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that create a rich, comforting meal. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers in the flavorful broth, and the vegetables add the perfect balance of texture and taste. It’s a true classic that’s easy to make and sure to please!

???? Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

• Beef stew meat – 900g (2 lbs), cut into 1-inch cubes
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp (for browning the beef)
• Onion – 1 large (150g), diced
• Carrots – 3 medium (225g), peeled and sliced
• Potatoes – 4 medium (600g), peeled and cubed
• Celery – 2 stalks, diced
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Beef broth – 1.5 liters (6 cups)
• Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
• Bay leaves – 2
• Dried thyme – 1 tsp
• Salt – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
• Black pepper – ½ tsp
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
• Flour – 2 tbsp (for thickening the stew)
• Frozen peas – 1 cup (optional, for extra color and sweetness)
• Fresh parsley – Optional, for garnish

????‍???? Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and brown the beef on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.

3. Add the Broth and Seasonings

Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

4. Thicken the Stew

In a small bowl, mix the flour with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the stew to thicken the broth. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew reaches your desired thickness.

5. Add Potatoes and Peas

Add the cubed potatoes and frozen peas (if using) to the stew. Simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew is fully cooked.

6. Final Taste and Adjustments

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

7. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with crusty bread or buttered rolls for dipping.

????️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of buttered bread or garlic bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
• Pair with a simple salad for a balanced meal.
• For extra richness, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top.

???? Tips & Variations

• Slow Cooker Method: After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the stew a bit of heat.
• Add mushrooms: For extra depth of flavor, add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the vegetables.
• Leftovers: This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

???? Nutrition Info (Per serving – approx.)

???? Final Thoughts

Old Fashioned Beef Stew is the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with all the comfort you need after a long day. Whether you make it on the stovetop or slow cooker, it’s a meal the whole family will love!