This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is pure comfort in a bowl with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and all the right herbs and spices—it’s the best!

 

🥣 Old Fashioned Beef Stew: Classic Comfort in Every Spoonful

When the weather turns cool or you're simply craving something warm and soul-soothing, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of Old Fashioned Beef Stew. This timeless dish is pure comfort in a bowl — rich, hearty, and full of tender chunks of beef, rustic vegetables, and flavorful herbs that simmer together to perfection.

Whether it’s passed down from grandma’s kitchen or reimagined in your own, this stew brings that home-cooked warmth that feels like a hug — and tastes even better the next day.

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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Stew

• Rich, slow-simmered flavor that builds over time

• Melt-in-your-mouth beef that's perfectly tender

• Hearty and satisfying — a full meal in one pot

• Classic ingredients that are easy to find

• Perfect for leftovers — the flavor deepens overnight

This is the kind of dish you want bubbling on the stove on a lazy Sunday afternoon, filling the kitchen with irresistible aroma.

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🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 tablespoons flour (for dredging)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 cup red wine (or use more broth)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables:

• 3 large carrots, sliced

• 3–4 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

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🍲 How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew

1. Brown the Beef

Toss the beef cubes in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add onion and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for another minute.

3. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in wine and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and bay leaves. Return the beef to the pot.

4. Simmer Low and Slow

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

5. Add Vegetables

Add carrots and potatoes. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30–40 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the stew thickens naturally.

6. Finish with Peas

Stir in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled stew for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat until hot throughout.

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🥖 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or buttery biscuits to soak up the rich broth.

• A simple green salad balances the hearty flavors.

• Want a rustic touch? Serve in bread bowls or over creamy mashed potatoes.

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🔄 Variations to Try

• Add pearl barley for extra heartiness.

• Try sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a richer, slightly sweet flavor.

• Make it in a slow cooker — after browning the beef, combine everything and cook on low for 8 hours.

• Use mushrooms for an earthy twist.

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💬 Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Old Fashioned Beef Stew has stood the test of time — it’s simple, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. Whether you're making it for Sunday supper, prepping meals for the week, or just in need of a little comfort, this classic recipe is a keeper.

One bite and you'll understand why this stew is a staple in kitchens across generations. It's not just food — it’s home in a bowl.