Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any table. This hearty dish features tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s an ideal choice for chilly evenings and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The combination of beef, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that warms the heart.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the stew with your favorite vegetables or grains for a personal touch.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for future meals.
• Family-Friendly: Picky eaters will love the tender meat and delicious flavors that appeal to all ages.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Here are some essential kitchen tools needed to make this Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Ideal for even heat distribution, ensuring that your stew simmers perfectly without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Gentle on your cookware and effective at scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Sharp knife: A must-have for easily chopping vegetables and trimming meat.

Ingredients

Old Fashioned Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and a savory broth.

For the Beef Stew

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast or beef stew meat, cubed
• salt and black pepper, to season
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup red grape juice
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Vegetables

• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (red potatoes and yukon gold potatoes both work well)
• 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped

For Thickening

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons cold water

How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Season the Beef

Season the beef cubes generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding:
1. Sear the seasoned beef on all sides until deeply browned.
2. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate once seared.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Once all meat is seared:
1. Add red grape juice to the empty pot to deglaze.
2. Scrape the pot’s bottom with a wooden spoon to release all flavorful browned bits.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in low-sodium beef broth along with Worcestershire sauce:
1. Return seared beef to the pot.
2. Add rosemary, parsley, and additional ground black pepper.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring mixture to a boil:
1. Reduce heat to low.
2. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Step 6: Prepare Vegetables

While simmering:
1. Peel and cube potatoes.
2. Cut carrots and celery into 1-inch pieces.
3. Chop onion into similar-sized pieces.

Step 7: Create Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl:
1. Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

Step 8: Add Vegetables

After one hour of simmering:
1. Add prepared vegetables along with cornstarch slurry into the pot.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 9: Continue Cooking

Cover again:
1. Simmer for another hour or until vegetables are tender and meat is fork-tender.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10: Serve

Taste your stew:
1. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if needed.
2. When ready to serve, transfer stew to serving bowls, garnish if desired, and enjoy!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Serving Old Fashioned Beef Stew is all about enhancing its comforting nature. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate the experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly Baked Baguette: A warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich stew.
• Garlic Bread: Add a flavor boost with garlic butter spread on toasted bread.

Offer a Simple Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty stew.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons complement the stew’s flavors well.

Add Some Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle parmesan on top for an extra savory touch.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a delightful creaminess when melted on hot stew.

Serve with Rice or Noodles

• White Rice: Fluffy rice soaks up the broth nicely and makes for a filling meal.
• Egg Noodles: Tender noodles are another great way to enjoy the stew’s flavors.

How to Perfect Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

To make your Old Fashioned Beef Stew truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season your beef well before searing. This builds layers of flavor right from the start.
• Sear Properly: Don’t rush the searing process; browning the meat creates depth in flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate your stew’s taste. If available, substitute dried herbs with fresh ones for a vibrant flavor profile.
• Adjust Consistency: If your stew is too thin, mix cornstarch with cold water and add it to thicken it to your desired consistency.
• Let It Rest: Allowing your stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help meld the flavors together even more.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking to ensure maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Pairing sides with your Old Fashioned Beef Stew can enhance its comforting qualities. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a classic base that absorbs all the delicious broth.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients while complementing the stew’s richness.
3. Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the beef stew.
4. Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up every drop of that hearty broth.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing element that contrasts beautifully with warm stew.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers nutty flavors and pairs well without overshadowing the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Old Fashioned Beef Stew, small mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some common errors to watch out for.

• Not seasoning the beef: Failing to season your beef before searing can result in bland flavors. Always generously season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
• Overcrowding the pot: Searing too much beef at once can cause steaming rather than browning. Cook in batches to achieve a nice brown crust on each piece.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Neglecting to deglaze the pot after searing can lead to missing out on rich flavors from browned bits. Use red grape juice or broth to scrape up these delicious morsels.
• Adding vegetables too early: Adding vegetables at the start of cooking can make them mushy. Wait until after the meat has cooked for an hour to add them for better texture.
• Ignoring simmering time: Rushing through cooking may leave tough meat and undercooked vegetables. Allow enough time for everything to become tender by simmering at low heat.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust: Not tasting your stew before serving can result in an unbalanced flavor. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Old Fashioned Beef Stew in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

• You can freeze portions of stew for longer storage.
• Place it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags; it lasts up to 3 months.

Reheating Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until thoroughly warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe?

Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a hearty dish made with tender beef chunks, a variety of vegetables, and a savory broth that simmers slowly for deep flavors.

How long does Old Fashioned Beef Stew take to cook?

The total time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.

Can I customize my Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas or green beans, or adjust spices according to your preference for a unique twist.

What type of beef is best for this stew?

Using beef chuck roast or stew meat works best as they become tender during slow cooking.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken pieces if you prefer poultry; just adjust the cooking times accordingly since chicken cooks faster.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe offers warmth and comfort in every bite. Its rich flavors and tender ingredients make it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or seasonings!