Name: Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2pounds beef stew meat,cubed chuck roast; 4tablespoons cornstarch,divided; 1teaspoon salt; 1⁄4teaspoon black pepper; 2tablespoons olive oil; 2cloves minced garlic; 2tablespoons tomato paste; 4cups beef broth; 1⁄4cup Worcestershire sauce; 1 1⁄2pounds red potatoes,cut into bite-sized chunks; 10ounces pearl onions; 4medium carrots,sliced; 4medium celery ribs,sliced; 1teaspoon granulated sugar; 1⁄2teaspoon dried basil; 1⁄2teaspoon dried oregano; 1⁄2teaspoon dried parsley; 1⁄2teaspoon paprika; 1⁄4teaspoon ground allspice; 1⁄4cup cold water

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When the weather turns chilly and you crave something comforting, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Old Fashioned Beef Stew.

This timeless dish is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a medley of herbs and spices that create a symphony of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef stew is more than just delicious—it’s a nostalgic nod to home-cooked meals that bring people together. Here’s why it stands out:

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: The beef stew meat, typically made from chuck roast, becomes incredibly tender after simmering for hours.
Hearty Vegetables: Red potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, and celery add both texture and nutrition.
Rich, Flavorful Broth: The combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and spices creates a savory base that’s irresistible.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—just pantry staples that come together beautifully.

Let’s dive into how you can recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty beef stew:

Beef: 2 pounds of beef stew meat or cubed chuck roast.
Vegetables: Red potatoes (1 ½ pounds), pearl onions (10 ounces), carrots (4 medium), and celery ribs (4 medium).
Flavor Enhancers: Garlic (2 cloves), tomato paste (2 tablespoons), Worcestershire sauce (¼ cup), and granulated sugar (1 teaspoon).
Herbs & Spices: Dried basil (½ teaspoon), dried oregano (½ teaspoon), dried parsley (½ teaspoon), paprika (½ teaspoon), and ground allspice (¼ teaspoon).
Thickener: Cornstarch (4 tablespoons, divided).
Liquids: Beef broth (4 cups) and cold water (¼ cup).
Seasoning: Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon).
Cooking Oil: Olive oil (2 tablespoons).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Beef

Start by dusting the beef stew meat with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This helps create a nice crust when searing the meat and also contributes to thickening the stew later. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

2. Sear the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and sear for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure all sides are browned. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the stew.

3. Build the Flavor Base

Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step enhances the stew’s flavor with a subtle sweetness and umami from the tomato paste.

4. Add the Liquids

Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and ¼ cup of Worcestershire sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—these bits are full of flavor!

5. Add the Vegetables & Spices

Toss in the red potatoes (cut into bite-sized chunks), pearl onions, sliced carrots, and celery ribs. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, paprika, and ground allspice. Stir everything together until well combined.

6. Simmer to Perfection

Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

7. Thicken the Stew

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water until completely dissolved. Slowly pour this mixture into the stew while stirring constantly. Let it cook on low heat for a few more minutes until the broth thickens to your desired consistency.

8. Taste & Adjust

Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for an extra dose of comfort.

Nutrition Information

Here’s what you can expect from a serving size of approximately 2 cups:

Calories: 316 kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 970mg
Potassium: 1149mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 5315 IU
Vitamin C: 14.6 mg
Calcium: 79mg
Iron: 4.1 mg

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Avoid lean cuts as they can turn tough during cooking.
Don’t Skip Searing: Browning the beef adds an extra layer of flavor that makes all the difference in this dish.
Use Fresh Herbs if Possible: While dried herbs work wonderfully, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor even further if you have them on hand.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap in parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this Old Fashioned Beef Stew lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. The long simmering time allows all the ingredients to meld together into a cohesive dish that’s rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and spices creates a broth that’s both savory and slightly tangy, while the vegetables add natural sweetness and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a meal that brings back memories of home-cooked dinners around the table—and this Old Fashioned Beef Stew does just that. It’s easy enough for weeknight cooking yet special enough for Sunday dinner with family or friends.

So grab your favorite pot or Dutch oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the enticing aroma of simmering stew. One spoonful is all it takes to fall in love with this classic dish!

Let us know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to enjoy beef stew? Do you pair it with bread, rice, or something else entirely? We’d love to hear from you!