Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

No photo description available.

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew: A Hearty Classic That Warms the Soul

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of old-fashioned beef stew to make you feel cozy and comforted on a chilly day. This dish, with its tender chunks of beef, soft vegetables, and rich gravy, has been a family favorite for generations. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a make-ahead meal, this traditional stew delivers the kind of home-cooked goodness that never goes out of style.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make an authentic old-fashioned beef stew step by step, from choosing the right cut of beef to creating that deep, flavorful broth that defines the dish.

🥩 Ingredients You’ll Need

For 6 servings:

2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
3 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef

Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly rather than steam in the pan.
Season them generously with salt and black pepper, then toss the pieces in flour until they’re evenly coated. The flour will help create a rich, thick sauce later on.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the beef in small batches so the pan isn’t crowded. Brown each side for about 2–3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside. This browning step adds deep, savory flavor to your stew.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits — these are flavor gold!