The Cozy Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe for Chilly Evenings

A heartwarming old fashioned beef stew can transport you straight to grandma’s cozy kitchen with its rich, comforting aroma.

Memories of slow-simmered meals drift through my mind whenever I prepare this classic dish.

Tender chunks of meat mingle with robust vegetables in a deeply flavorful broth that speaks of traditional cooking.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe connects us to generations of home cooks who understood the magic of simple ingredients.

Each spoonful tells a story of patience and love stirred into every pot.

Cooler weather calls for meals that warm both body and soul, making this stew the perfect companion for chilly evenings.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and create a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

FAQs

• What makes this beef stew different from other stew recipes?

This recipe uses a combination of herbs like thyme and rosemary, which add depth and complexity to the traditional beef stew flavor profile.

• Can I use different cuts of beef for this stew?

Yes, chuck roast or beef shoulder work best because they become tender and flavorful during the long, slow cooking process.

• Is this stew considered a healthy meal?

The stew provides a balanced meal with protein from beef, vitamins from vegetables like carrots and peas, and nutrients from herbs, making it a nutritious one-pot dinner.

• How can I make the stew more hearty?

You can add more root vegetables like parsnips or turnips, or include additional protein such as diced bacon for extra richness and flavor.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe Everyone Craves

• Comfort in a Pot: Warm hearty stew that hugs your soul with rich, tender flavors.
• Quick Weekend Winner: Simple one-pot meal that takes minimal prep but delivers maximum satisfaction in just 3 hours of hands-off cooking.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kid-approved dish packed with nutritious vegetables and protein that everyone from grandparents to toddlers will enjoy.
• Meal Prep Magic: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for busy families who want delicious, stress-free dinners.

Essentials For Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

• Beef Chuck: Rich, tender meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft after slow cooking. Choose well-marbled cuts for extra flavor and tenderness.

• Carrots, Potatoes, Onion, Garlic: Classic stew vegetables that add depth, sweetness, and aromatic base. Fresh, firm vegetables work best for hearty texture.

• Beef Broth: Provides rich, savory foundation for the stew. Low-sodium options allow better seasoning control.
• Tomato Paste: Adds deep, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the stew. Provides rich color and umami depth.

• Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaves: Traditional herb blend that brings earthy, woodsy notes to the stew. Dried herbs are perfectly acceptable.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile. Use kosher or sea salt for best results.

• Olive Oil: Creates base for browning meat and sautéing vegetables. Extra virgin provides richer flavor.
• Peas: Optional vegetable that adds bright color and sweet taste. Frozen peas work well if fresh are unavailable.

How To Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Carefully place beef chunks into the hot oil, letting them develop a rich, golden-brown crust on all sides.

Once beautifully caramelized, transfer the beef to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same pot with those delicious beef drippings, toss in chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté until the onions become translucent and release their sweet, fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Stir in tomato paste, fresh thyme, and rosemary.

Let these herbs and paste dance together for about a minute, intensifying their flavors and creating a rich base for the stew.

Step 4: Combine Hearty Ingredients

Return the browned beef to the pot.

• Chopped carrots
• Diced potatoes
• Bay leaves

Step 5: Create the Liquid Base

Pour beef broth into the pot, allowing all ingredients to mingle.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Slow Cooking Magic

Cover the pot and let the stew slowly simmer for 2-3 hours.

This low and slow process will transform the beef into melt-in-your-mouth tender pieces.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaves.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss in green peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes to brighten the stew.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming, aromatic stew into deep bowls.

Serve piping hot with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew With Pro-Level Depth

• Choose chuck or round beef cuts for maximum flavor and softness, which break down beautifully during long, slow cooking.
• Brown meat thoroughly before adding liquid to develop rich, deep caramelized notes that enhance overall taste profile.
• Add dried herbs like thyme and rosemary early in cooking to release their essential oils and infuse the stew with robust aromatics.
• If stew becomes too thick, gradually add more beef broth; if too thin, create a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken without altering flavor.
• Swap white potatoes with sweet potatoes for increased vitamin content, or add additional root vegetables like parsnips for extra nutrients and complexity.

Reheating Old Fashioned Beef Stew Easily

• Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw stew in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.
• Pour stew into a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

Plates to Pair With Beef Stew

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, hearty beef stew's deep flavors and cut through its meaty texture.
• Enhance with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Serve thick slices of rustic sourdough bread on the side to soak up the delicious stew broth and provide a wonderful textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the stew's heavy, warming qualities and add brightness to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Root Vegetables: Prepare a side of caramelized roasted parsnips or roasted Brussels sprouts to echo the stew's earthy, comforting flavor profile and add extra vegetable variety.

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew New Cooking Twists

• Vegetarian Comfort Stew: Replace beef with hearty plant-based protein like cubed seitan, tempeh, or large portobello mushroom chunks. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a completely meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets and turnips. Increase protein portions and reduce starchy vegetables to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, creating a hands-off preparation technique.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace traditional thickeners with arrowroot powder or cornstarch to maintain stew's consistency while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew brings comfort straight from grandmother’s kitchen, blending tender meat, robust vegetables, and rich seasonings. Slow-simmered perfection promises a warm embrace that satisfies deep hunger and warms your soul with each carefully crafted spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 cup (150 grams) peas (optional)

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Cooking Aids:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat a heavy-bottomed pot and create a deep golden crust on the beef cubes by searing them in olive oil until richly caramelized on all surfaces.
2. Transfer the beef momentarily and use the same pot to gently sweat the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce tomato paste and aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary, allowing them to bloom and release their essential oils for maximum flavor penetration.
4. Return the beef to the pot and layer in root vegetables including carrots and potatoes, along with aromatic bay leaves for depth.
5. Deluge the mixture with robust beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are generously submerged.
6. Bring the liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle, barely perceptible simmer.
7. Cover and allow the stew to leisurely cook, letting the beef tenderize and vegetables absorb the rich, complex flavors for approximately two to three hours.
8. Periodically check liquid levels and tenderness, adjusting heat if necessary.
9. Discard the bay leaves and season the stew with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
10. Introduce sweet green peas during the final cooking moments to preserve their vibrant color and delicate texture.
11. Ladle the steaming, hearty stew into warmed serving bowls and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Enhance beef tenderness by choosing chuck roast or short ribs with good marbling for rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Create deeper flavor by patting beef dry before browning and using high heat to develop a caramelized exterior that locks in moisture.
• Customize stew by adding root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for extra nutrition and unique taste variations.
• Adapt for gluten-sensitive diets by replacing traditional flour with cornstarch or arrowroot for thickening without compromising hearty consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg