Best recipe For Old Fashioned Beef Stew

This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish, packed with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, savory broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, this classic stew is perfect for cold nights, family gatherings, or a cozy homemade meal.

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red …(optional, for depth of flavor)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity, optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1. In a bowl, toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
3. Add beef in batches and brown on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per batch). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
2. Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Build the Broth & Simmer

1. Pour in red ..(if using) and scrape up browned bits from the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
2. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, sugar, and bay leaves.
3. Return browned beef to the pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours (or until beef is fork-tender).

Step 4: Add Vegetables & Cook Further

1. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery, stirring to combine.
2. Cover and cook for another 30-40 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Thicken & Final Adjustments

1. If needed, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the stew to thicken.
2. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered biscuits.

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Serving Suggestions

With warm, crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.
Pair with a glass of red (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot).
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

Use Marbled Beef – Chuck roast works best for tender, juicy meat.
Low & Slow Cooking – Helps flavors meld and makes beef tender.
Add Umami – A splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar adds depth.
Make Ahead for More Flavor – Tastes even better the next day!

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is rich, hearty, and packed with classic comfort food flavors. Whether you’re making it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, this dish is guaranteed to warm you up and satisfy your cravings.