Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. This hearty dish features tender chunks of beef paired with vibrant vegetables, creating a savory broth that warms the soul. Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re simply craving something filling, this stew is the answer. Its robust flavors and tender textures make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: This beef stew is packed with protein and vegetables, ensuring you feel satisfied after each bowl.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious stew without any fuss.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand; this recipe adapts to your pantry.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!
• Kid-Approved: The rich flavors and comforting texture make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Old Fashioned Beef Stew, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Small bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Ideal for slow cooking and ensures even heat distribution, perfect for achieving tender meat.
• Wooden spoon: Great for deglazing the pot and stirring without scratching non-stick surfaces.
• Cutting board & knife: Essential for prepping your veggies quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Old Fashioned Beef Stew is loaded with wholesome ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor.

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.

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 and set aside.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Once all meat is seared, add the red grape juice to the empty pot to deglaze:
1. Scrape the pot’s bottom with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful browned bits.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings

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

Step 5: Simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low:
1. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Step 6: Prepare Vegetables

Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables:
1. Peel and cube the potatoes.
2. Cut carrots and celery stalks into 1-inch pieces.
3. 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

After one hour of simmering:
1. Add prepared vegetables along with cornstarch slurry to the pot.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 9: Continue Cooking

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

Step 10: Adjust Seasonings

Taste your stew:
– Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot in bowls, enjoy!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Serving Old Fashioned Beef Stew is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a comforting dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this classic dish.

Pair It with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy dinner rolls complement the stew perfectly.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Thyme Sprigs: A few thyme sprigs can elevate the aromatic profile of your stew.

Serve with a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine lettuce and creamy dressing contrasts nicely with the hearty stew.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to your meal.

How to Perfect Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Perfecting your Old Fashioned Beef Stew involves attention to detail and careful cooking techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your stew turns out delicious every time.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled beef chuck for tenderness and flavor.
• Brown the Meat Well: Take your time when searing; a good brown crust enhances the stew’s depth.
• Deglaze Properly: Scraping up the browned bits after searing adds rich flavor to your broth.
• Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low during simmering for tender meat and flavorful broth.
• Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce it.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper at different stages for balanced flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Old Fashioned Beef Stew can enhance your overall meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this hearty dish.

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent pairing, perfect for soaking up the stew’s broth.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition alongside the stew.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can be a great base to serve under the stew, absorbing its flavors beautifully.
4. Buttered Noodles: Simple buttered noodles offer a comforting side that complements the richness of the beef stew.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the stew.
6. Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans provide a fresh crunch that lightens up the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Old Fashioned Beef Stew can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the beef well before cooking can lead to bland stew. Always season generously with salt and pepper for better flavor.
• Bold overcrowding the pot: Searing too much beef at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Work in batches to achieve that perfect caramelization.
• Bold neglecting vegetable prep: Adding vegetables too late can result in undercooked additions. Prepare and add them timely for even cooking.
• Bold ignoring simmer time: Skipping or shortening the simmering process can lead to tough meat. Allow ample time for tender beef and flavorful broth.
• Bold not adjusting flavors: Failing to taste and adjust the seasonings at the end may leave your stew unbalanced. Always sample before serving!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

• Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Stays good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in a covered oven-safe dish and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a serving of stew in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot, usually about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe different?

This recipe uses hearty ingredients like beef chuck and fresh vegetables, creating a rich and comforting dish that’s traditional yet satisfying.

Can I customize the Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or even replace the beef with chicken for a lighter option.

How do I thicken my Old Fashioned Beef Stew?

To thicken your stew, create a slurry with cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the pot during the last hour of cooking.

Is this Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe healthy?

When made with lean cuts of beef and plenty of vegetables, this stew can be part of a balanced diet. Adjusting salt and using low-sodium broth helps too!

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Try it out today for a hearty meal that warms the soul!

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