A rustic bowl of hearty beef stew filled with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and celery in a thick, savory gravy. The stew is garnished with fresh herbs, set on a wooden table with a spoon placed beside. The vibrant orange carrots and golden potatoes contrast beautifully with the rich brown beef, creating an inviting and comforting culinary scene.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew

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Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew for Cozy Nights 🥘🥩✨

Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew for Cozy Nights 🥘🥩✨

1. Introduction

Nothing beats the comforting warmth of a hearty beef stew on chilly evenings. This classic beef stew recipe is perfect for cozy nights, packed with tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Making homemade beef stew from scratch enhances its rich taste and allows you to tailor it to your preference. Whether you’re craving a simple rustic dish or something more gourmet, this recipe will become your go-to for comfort and flavor.

2. Ingredients for this Delicious Classic Beef Stew

  • 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Hearty Beef Stew

Preparing the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combining Ingredients

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth. Add potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Simmering the Stew

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Occasionally check and stir.

Serving Your Delicious Classic Beef Stew

Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

4. Tips for Perfect Homemade Beef Stew

  • Use quality beef chuck for tender, flavorful meat.
  • Cook slowly to allow flavors to develop fully.
  • Add vegetables based on your preferences—parsnips, peas, or green beans work well.
  • For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes or add a tablespoon of flour towards the end.

5. Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Beef Stew

Let the stew cool completely before storing in airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot, adjusting seasoning if necessary.

6. Perfect Serving Suggestions

This classic beef stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, or enjoy alongside a fresh green salad. For an extra touch of comfort, serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

7. FAQs about Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Can I substitute beef with chicken or vegetarian options?

While this recipe is designed for beef, you can make a chicken stew using chicken breasts or thighs. For a vegetarian version, replace beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and extra root vegetables, and use vegetable broth.

How long does it take to prepare this classic beef stew?

The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 2.5 hours, including browning, sautéing, and simmering to achieve tender meat and flavorful broth.

What are some healthy tips for this stew?

Use lean cuts of beef, reduce salt, and add more vegetables for extra nutrients. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice or a side of steamed greens.

8. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe

Enhance your cooking experience with quality tools! Consider investing in a compact 6-in-1 digital air fryer for quick side dishes or a T-fal 14-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set to make your stove work more efficiently. These tools can make your homemade beef stew even more enjoyable to prepare!

9. Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty beef stew to warm your soul after a long day. This classic beef stew recipe combines tender beef, savory broth, and vegetables loaded with flavor. Perfect for making ahead, leftovers taste even better the next day, making this dish an all-time family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting aroma and delicious taste that only a homemade beef stew can deliver!

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A rustic bowl of hearty beef stew filled with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and celery in a thick, savory gravy. The stew is garnished with fresh herbs, set on a wooden table with a spoon placed beside. The vibrant orange carrots and golden potatoes contrast beautifully with the rich brown beef, creating an inviting and comforting culinary scene.

Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew for Cozy Nights

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Print Recipe

A rich and savory beef stew simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs, slow-cooked to perfection for a tender and flavorful dish.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add beef chunks and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
  4. Return beef to the pot, add tomato paste, and cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in beef broth, add carrots, potatoes, celery, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours or until beef is tender.
  7. Adjust seasoning as needed, remove bay leaves, and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can add peas or switch vegetables based on seasonality.
  • Best enjoyed with crusty bread or over rice.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Method: Slow cooking on stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx 350g)
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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