Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a comforting dish that has warmed hearts and homes for generations. This classic recipe features tender, slow-simmered beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that brings the flavors of home cooking to life. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a meal to share with family, this stew is the perfect choice. Let’s dive into how to make this traditional beef stew that embodies the essence of comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Beef Stew
This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is not just another recipe; it’s a nostalgic journey through hearty flavors. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- It’s a traditional beef stew that honors classic cooking methods.
- This dish provides the ultimate comfort with its rich and savory broth.
- Perfect for cold weather, it warms you from the inside out.
- This recipe uses simple, homemade beef stew ingredients that you probably already have.
- It’s a hearty beef stew from scratch, giving you full control over the flavors.
- This stew is excellent for meal prepping, making it a great comfort food beef stew for busy weeks.
With its American roots and gluten-free diet, it’s a meal that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Gather these items:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons (10g) dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons (10g) dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) water
How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onion and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix flour and water until smooth. Stir into the stew to thicken.
- Step 6: Cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until beef is tender and stew is thickened. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Keep these in mind:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for a twist on the old-fashioned beef stew recipe.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of beef broth and red wine.
Best Ways to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Here are some ideas:
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the savory broth.
- Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the hearty flavors.
- Top with fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Old Fashioned Beef Stew
To store, let the stew cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Beef Stew
What is old-fashioned beef stew?
Old-fashioned beef stew is a traditional dish made with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s perfect comfort food for cold weather.
Can I make old-fashioned beef stew ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, the flavors develop beautifully when made in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with old-fashioned beef stew?
To avoid mistakes, ensure the beef is properly browned before simmering. Also, don’t rush the cooking time; the longer it simmers, the more tender the beef will become.
Variations of Old Fashioned Beef Stew You Can Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:
- Add red wine for a deeper flavor.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
- Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick.
This gluten-free, American-style stew is a versatile dish that can easily adapt to your taste preferences.
For more delicious recipes, check out our homemade tomato sauce or try spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal.
For more tips on cooking, you can explore the versatility of barley or learn about the benefits of onions.
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Old Fashioned Beef Stew: 7 Hearty Tips for Comforting Flavor
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A timeless classic, this Old Fashioned Beef Stew features tender, slow-simmered beef with hearty vegetables in a rich, savory broth, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons (10g) dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons (10g) dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) water
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onion and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, mix flour and water until smooth. Stir into the stew to thicken.
- Cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until beef is tender and stew is thickened. Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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