Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out. This hearty dish, featuring tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth, is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. Its robust flavors and satisfying textures make it a standout choice for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This stew is filled with tender beef and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying meal.
• Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip this up without hassle.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the veggies based on what you have at home.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well in the fridge or freezer, allowing for easy reheating later.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a chilly evening or a holiday gathering, this stew fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board
• Chef’s knife
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Ideal for even heat distribution while cooking the stew.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Chopping board and chef’s knife: Essential for safely preparing your ingredients.

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. This enhances the flavor of the meat.

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 the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce:
1. Return seared beef to the pot.
2. Add rosemary, parsley, and an additional 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Step 5: Simmer

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

Step 6: Prepare Vegetables

While waiting:
– Peel and cube potatoes.
– Cut carrots and celery stalks into 1-inch pieces.
– Chop onion into similar-sized pieces.

Step 7: Make Cornstarch Slurry

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

Step 8: Add Vegetables & Thicken Stew

After one hour:
1. Add prepared vegetables and cornstarch slurry to the pot.
2. Stir well to combine.

Step 9: Final Simmer

Cover again:
– Continue simmering for another hour until vegetables are tender and meat is fork-tender.
– Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10: Adjust Seasonings & Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if needed:
– When ready to serve, transfer stew to serving bowls, and enjoy!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Serving Old Fashioned Beef Stew is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making the meal feel special. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your stew experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls complement the stew beautifully.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the stew.

Include Pickled Vegetables

• Pickled Cucumbers: The tanginess cuts through the richness of the beef stew.
• Pickled Beets: Their sweetness and acidity provide a unique flavor contrast.

How to Perfect Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

To ensure your Old Fashioned Beef Stew turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• bold seasoning early: Season your beef generously before cooking to enhance flavor.
• bold use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary and parsley can boost the aroma and taste of your dish.
• bold simmer gently: A slow simmer allows flavors to meld and meat to tenderize beautifully.
• bold avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches when searing beef to achieve that rich brown color.
• bold adjust thickness thoughtfully: If your stew is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Old Fashioned Beef Stew can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs well with hearty stew.
2. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a nice crunch and earthy flavor that complements the stew well.
4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are great for scooping up the delicious broth.
5. Buttered Corn on the Cob: Adds sweetness and texture, balancing out the savory stew.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs flavors from the stew, making each bite satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Old Fashioned Beef Stew, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the beef before cooking can lead to bland stew. Always season generously with salt and black pepper.
• Overcrowding the pot: Searing too much beef at once can steam rather than brown the meat. Work in batches to ensure even browning and flavor development.
• Neglecting to deglaze: Forgetting to deglaze the pot after searing means losing flavorful browned bits. Use red grape juice or broth to scrape up these tasty morsels for added depth.
• Adding vegetables too soon: If you add vegetables at the start, they may become mushy. Wait until after the meat has simmered for an hour before adding them.
• Not tasting before serving: Skipping this step can result in an unbalanced flavor profile. Always taste and adjust seasonings just before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Old Fashioned Beef Stew in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It will maintain quality for about 3 months in the freezer.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook Old Fashioned Beef Stew?

It takes about 2 hours of cooking time after preparation, ensuring that both the meat and vegetables are tender.

Can I customize my Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like peas or mushrooms, or adjust herbs according to your taste preferences.

What type of beef is best for stew?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its tenderness after slow cooking. Other cuts like brisket can also work well.

How can I thicken my stew?

You can thicken your stew using a cornstarch slurry mixed with cold water, added towards the end of cooking.

Is Old Fashioned Beef Stew healthy?

This stew is nutritious as it contains lean beef and a variety of vegetables. Adjusting ingredients allows you to cater it further to your dietary needs.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Beef Stew is not only comforting but also versatile. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe allows for various customizations based on your preferences. Try it out today and enjoy a delicious meal that warms both body and soul!

---