If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal, this Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe hits the spot. Made with simple ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers rich flavors that comfort the soul. Whether you enjoy cooking on a chilly day or need a crowd-pleasing dinner, this stew will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive in and make a dish that warms both heart and home!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 medium carrots, sliced
Seasonings and Thickening Agent
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional)
Garnish
– Fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
To make Old Fashioned Beef Stew, you need fresh and quality ingredients. The chuck roast gives the stew its hearty flavor. Olive oil helps in browning the beef, which adds depth. Onions and garlic bring sweetness and aroma. Carrots add natural sweetness and color.
For seasonings, the beef broth creates a rich base. Diced tomatoes add acidity and texture. Tomato paste boosts the tomato flavor. Thyme offers a warm, herbal note. If you like a thicker stew, flour is your friend.
Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshens the dish. Always remember to taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor. You can find the full recipe for detailed steps and serving suggestions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef
To start, I season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor and helps form a nice crust. Next, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. I add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. I brown the beef on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, I remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same pot, I add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. I then add the chopped onion and sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. The smell is amazing! After that, I add the minced garlic and cook it for another minute. This helps to release its flavor.
Combining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. I return the browned beef to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Next, I add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes. I stir everything to mix well.
Then, I pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. I also add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf. This mix creates a rich base for the stew. I bring the mixture to a simmer, which means tiny bubbles start to form on the surface.
Once it starts to simmer, I reduce the heat to low. I cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This long cooking time makes the beef tender and the flavors deep.
Final Touches
If I want to make the stew thicker, I mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to create a slurry. I stir this into the pot about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up. This helps give the stew a nice, hearty texture.
Before serving, I taste the stew to see if it needs more salt or pepper. I adjust the seasonings as needed. Finally, I remove the bay leaf. Ladling the stew into bowls and garnishing with fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely touch. For the full recipe, check the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Best practices for browning meat: Start with a hot pot. Add oil and let it heat. Add beef cubes in batches, not crowding the pot. This helps brown the meat well. Brown each side for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth to your stew.
– Optimal simmering temperature: After you add all your ingredients, bring the stew to a boil first. Then, reduce the heat to low. A gentle simmer is best. It helps the beef become tender and juicy. Keep the pot covered to trap heat and moisture.
Flavor Enhancements
– Ways to boost flavor using herbs: Use fresh herbs if you can. Add thyme and rosemary for warmth. You can also try bay leaves for depth. These herbs elevate the stew’s flavor.
– Adding additional vegetables: You can mix in more veggies. Try green beans or peas for color. Mushrooms add a nice earthy taste too. Just remember to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Serving Suggestions
– Pairing with sides like crusty bread: Serve your stew with warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich broth beautifully.
– Ideal serving bowls and presentation tips: Use deep bowls for serving. Ladle stew into the bowls and sprinkle parsley on top. Add a slice of bread on the side to make it a meal. A colorful presentation makes the dish even more inviting.
For a complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out the chuck roast if you want. Cuts like brisket or round work well too. They still give a rich flavor. For a vegetarian stew, use hearty ingredients. Try mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas. These choices add depth and texture.
Cooking Methods
You can use an Instant Pot for a quick meal. It cooks the stew in about an hour. Just brown the beef first. For a slow cooker, let it simmer all day. This method deepens the flavors.
You can also choose between stovetop or oven cooking. Stovetop requires more attention but cooks faster. The oven method is more hands-off. Both methods yield a tasty stew.
Regional Flavor Twists
Add local ingredients to make your stew special. If you live near the coast, toss in some seafood. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or chorizo.
You can also mix in influences from other cuisines. A dash of soy sauce brings an Asian twist. Or, add some curry powder for an Indian flavor. Each variation makes the stew unique and exciting.
For the full recipe, check out the Classic Comfort Beef Stew.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftover beef stew, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the stew fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When you are ready to eat it, reheat it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave, but stirring is key for even warmth.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze beef stew, let it cool first. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. The stew will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above.
Making Ahead
Making beef stew ahead of time is a smart idea for parties or meal prep. You can cook it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, making it even tastier. To keep the texture, avoid adding too many potatoes before freezing. They may become mushy. Instead, add fresh potatoes when reheating. This helps maintain the stew’s best taste and texture.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Old Fashioned Beef Stew?
Making Old Fashioned Beef Stew takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes total. You will spend 20 minutes on prep and 2 hours cooking. This includes browning the beef and letting it simmer. The long cook time helps make the beef tender and full of flavor.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef in this recipe. Thaw the beef in the fridge overnight before you start. If you are short on time, you can thaw it in cold water. Just be sure to dry the beef well before browning it. This helps create a nice crust on the meat.
What can I serve with beef stew?
Beef stew pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:
– Crusty bread for dipping
– Mashed potatoes for a creamy touch
– Green salad for freshness
– Rice to soak up the sauce
These sides add texture and flavor to your meal. Enjoy your stew with your favorite pairing! For the complete dish details, check out the Full Recipe.
This blog post covered how to make hearty beef stew. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. We also discussed variations, storage information, and answered common questions.
In summary, making beef stew is simple, tasty, and fun. You can customize it to match your taste. I hope you feel ready to make a delicious meal your family will love. Enjoy your cooking!
