Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew. I remember chilly winter evenings when my grandmother would gather us around the kitchen table, the aroma of rich flavors wafting through the air. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition, one that fills the home with warmth and love. Every ingredient tells a story, from the tender chunks of beef to the hearty vegetables that melt together in a savory broth. On those cold nights, we’d eagerly await the moment she lifted the lid off the pot, revealing a bubbling stew that was not only nourishing but also brought us closer as a family. Making Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew is more than just cooking; it’s about creating memories that linger long after the last bite.

Ingredients for Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew

When it comes to making Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew, the ingredients are the heart and soul of the dish. Each component works harmoniously to create a rich and satisfying meal. The key players – tender beef, savory broth, and a medley of vegetables – come together to form a comforting stew that is perfect for chilly days.

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – This is the base of your stew, providing richness and flavor as you sauté the ingredients.
• 1 pound beef stew meat, diced into 1/2-inch chunks – Tender beef is essential for a hearty stew; I prefer a mix of Chuck roast and round roast.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – This thickens the stew and helps create a luscious gravy.
• 1 medium red onion, sliced into thin strips – Onions add depth and a slight sweetness when cooked down.
• 3 to 5 garlic cloves, finely minced – Garlic brings an aromatic punch to the dish, enhancing the flavors.
• 1 cup reduced sodium beef broth, plus more if desired – Broth is the backbone of the stew, infusing it with flavor.
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – A concentrated form of tomato flavor that enhances richness.
• 3 celery stalks, chopped coarsely into 1/2-inch chunks – Celery contributes a nice crunch and flavor.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped coarsely into 1/2-inch chunks – Carrots add sweetness and color to the dish.
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped coarsely into 1/2-inch chunks – Potatoes help thicken the stew and make it heartier.
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste – Essential for flavor enhancement.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste – Black pepper adds a bit of heat and depth.

Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew Instructions

Cooking Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delectable aromas. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to this comforting masterpiece.

1. In a large bowl, add the beef stew meat and flour. Stir and toss to coat the beef evenly. This coating helps thicken your stew, so ensure it’s well covered.
2. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the unsalted butter. Swirl the pan or stir it to help the butter melt completely.
3. Once the butter is melted, add the coated beef chunks. Sear for about 5 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure even browning. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
4. Remove the seared beef and set it aside on a plate. You want to capture all those delicious juices in the pot.
5. In the same Dutch oven, add the sliced red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
6. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute, or until fragrant. The aroma should fill your kitchen!
7. Deglaze the pot by adding the beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Note that this will create a lot of steam, so stand back.
8. Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste until well combined.
9. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper, then return the seared beef to the pot. Mix everything well.
10. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the meat to become tender and the vegetables to cook through without becoming mushy.
11. After simmering, taste the stew for seasoning balance. You may need to add more salt or pepper to suit your palate.
12. If the broth level is too low or you prefer a brothy stew, add up to 1/2 to 1 cup more broth, adding it gradually. If it’s too brothy, uncover the pot, increase the heat, and let it boil to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, create a slurry with more flour if you prefer a thicker consistency.
13. Finally, serve your Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew hot, whether with rice or noodles, and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Making Adjustments

As with any recipe, there’s always room for adjustments in Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew. Here are some helpful tips to make this dish perfect for you.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this stew for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Pairing: This stew pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as frozen peas or green beans.
• Herbs: Experiment with herbs! Adding fresh thyme or bay leaves can elevate the flavor profile.

Serving Options for Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew

When it comes to serving Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew, the options are as plentiful as they are delicious!

• Perfect for Dinner: This stew makes for an excellent dinner option, particularly on cool winter evenings. It warms the heart and soul.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Make a large batch during the weekend to enjoy throughout the week. It reheats beautifully!
• Special Occasions: Serve it at family gatherings or during holiday meals for a comforting, home-cooked touch.
• Side Dishes: Pair with fresh bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
• Storage Tips: After cooking, allow the stew to cool before transferring it to airtight containers for refrigeration or freezing.
• Seasonal Pairings: This dish shines during the colder months, but it can also be enjoyed year-round!

FAQ

Conclusion

Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a dish that invites you to gather and share stories over a hearty meal. I encourage you to give this stew a try, whether on a chilly evening or to create fond memories with your loved ones. You’ll find it’s not just about nourishing the body but also the soul.

Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a hearty mix of tender beef and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection. This rich and satisfying dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, making it an easy weeknight favorite. Enjoy the warm, savory flavors tonight!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
• 1 pound Beef Stew Meat Cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 1 medium Red Onion Sliced into thin strips
• 3 to 5 cloves Garlic Finely minced
• 1 cup Reduced Sodium Beef Broth Plus more if desired
• 1/4 cup Tomato Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
• 3 stalks Celery Chopped coarsely
• 2 medium Carrots Peeled and chopped coarsely
• 2 medium Potatoes Peeled and chopped coarsely
• 1 teaspoon Salt Plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Or to taste

Equipment

• Large Dutch Oven

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, add the beef stew meat and flour. Stir and toss to coat the beef evenly. This coating helps thicken your stew, so ensure it's well covered.
2. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the unsalted butter. Swirl the pan or stir it to help the butter melt completely.
3. Once the butter is melted, add the coated beef chunks. Sear for about 5 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure even browning. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
4. Remove the seared beef and set it aside on a plate. You want to capture all those delicious juices in the pot.
5. In the same Dutch oven, add the sliced red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
6. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute, or until fragrant. The aroma should fill your kitchen!
7. Deglaze the pot by adding the beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Note that this will create a lot of steam, so stand back.
8. Stir in the tomato sauce and tomato paste until well combined.
9. Add the chopped celery, carrots, and potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper, then return the seared beef to the pot. Mix everything well.
10. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is for the meat to become tender and the vegetables to cook through without becoming mushy.
11. After simmering, taste the stew for seasoning balance. You may need to add more salt or pepper to suit your palate.
12. If the broth level is too low or you prefer a brothy stew, add up to 1/2 to 1 cup more broth, adding it gradually. If it’s too brothy, uncover the pot, increase the heat, and let it boil to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, create a slurry with more flour if you prefer a thicker consistency.
13. Finally, serve your Easy Old Fashioned Beef Stew hot, whether with rice or noodles, and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Notes

• Tip 1: Select beef with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness. Chuck roast is an excellent choice.
• Tip 2: Cooking the stew on low heat for a long time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Tip 3: Always taste your stew before serving. A bit more salt can make a world of difference in enhancing flavors.
• Tip 4: If your stew is too thin, use a slurry of flour and water to thicken it, or simply let it reduce by boiling uncovered.

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Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!