Old Fashioned Beef Stew – A Hearty Comfort Meal

Nothing says comfort food quite like a big bowl of Old Fashioned Beef Stew! 🍲 Tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth combine to make the perfect winter meal. This recipe is full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Let’s dive into this classic stew recipe! 😋

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Tender & Flavorful – The beef melts in your mouth, and the vegetables are perfectly cooked.
✅ Hearty & Filling – A comforting meal that will keep you full for hours.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward method.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Old Fashioned Beef Stew:

🍖 For the Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs stew beef (chuck roast works great) – Cut into 1-inch cubes 🥩
• 4 cups beef broth – For a rich, savory base 🥣
• 3 large potatoes – Peeled and cut into chunks 🥔
• 3 carrots – Peeled and cut into rounds 🥕
• 1 large onion – Chopped 🧅
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced 🧄
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds depth of flavor 🍅
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – For a savory kick 🌟
• 1 bay leaf – Adds aroma 🌿
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A must-have herb 🌿
• Salt and pepper – To taste 🧂

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

✔️ For a lighter stew – Use lean beef or chicken instead of stew beef.
✔️ Make it gluten-free – Use a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch instead of flour.
✔️ Add some greens – Throw in a handful of spinach or peas for extra veggies.
✔️ Want a thicker stew? – Add a slurry of cornstarch and water or a little flour to the broth.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Brown the Beef

1️⃣ Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add the stew beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides (about 5–7 minutes).
3️⃣ Remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip the browning! It adds a deep, rich flavor to the stew. 😍

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🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1️⃣ In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2️⃣ Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.

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🍲 Step 3: Add the Broth & Seasonings

1️⃣ Return the browned beef to the pot.
2️⃣ Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
3️⃣ Add the potatoes and carrots, then stir to combine.
4️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.

💡 Pro Tip: Adjust the seasoning as the stew simmers – it’s easier to add salt later than to fix an over-seasoned stew. 😉

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🍲 Step 4: Let it Simmer

1️⃣ Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
3️⃣ Let the stew simmer for 1.5–2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4️⃣ Stir occasionally and check for seasoning.

💡 Pro Tip: The longer the stew simmers, the more flavorful it becomes! If you have the time, let it simmer for up to 3 hours for maximum flavor. ⏳

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🥄 Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

1️⃣ If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry.
2️⃣ Stir the slurry into the stew and simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes until thickened.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is perfect on its own, but here are a few fun ideas to make it even better:

🥖 Serve with crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.
🧀 Top with grated cheese – A sprinkle of sharp cheddar adds a creamy, salty contrast.
🥗 Pair with a side salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.
🌾 Serve over mashed potatoes – For an ultra-comforting meal, pour the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze the stew for up to 3 months for easy future meals.

🔥 Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Reheat the stew in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

💡 Pro Tip: Beef stew tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had more time to meld together!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

2️⃣ Can I use a different cut of beef?
While stew beef (chuck roast) is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use sirloin or round roast. Just be sure to cook it long enough for the beef to become tender.

3️⃣ What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth if needed. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

4️⃣ Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add parsnips, celery, or peas for a fun twist.

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🍽️ Conclusion – A Hearty Classic Stew

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort meal. 🥘 With tender beef, hearty veggies, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. 😍

Try it today and enjoy the hearty goodness of this classic recipe!