Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe | Easy Comfort

Is there a more satisfying meal than a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew on a chilly evening? This old fashioned beef stew recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level. It combines tender chunks of beef with wholesome vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.

Perfect for cold winter months, this classic beef stew is a family favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy Sunday at home, this comfort food beef stew is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.

With just 20 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in about an hour. This recipe serves one and packs a nutritional punch with 411 calories, 40g of protein, and 34g of carbohydrates per serving. It’s no wonder this hearty beef stew recipe has earned a 5-star rating from happy home cooks!

Key Takeaways

• This old fashioned beef stew recipe is ready in just 1 hour
• Chuck roast is the ideal meat choice for classic beef stew
• The stew can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months
• Yukon gold or red potatoes work best as they maintain their shape during cooking
• Tomato paste helps thicken the stew and enhances flavor
• Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal

Introduction to Classic Beef Stew

Classic beef stew is a timeless comfort dish that warms the soul. It combines tender beef with hearty vegetables in a rich broth. With a 4.99 out of 5 rating from 941 votes, it’s clear why it’s a favorite.

This stew is simple and flexible. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to prepare, serving 6 people. The slow cooking makes the flavors blend perfectly, creating a dish that’s more than just the sum of its parts.

This classic beef stew recipe can be customized. You can use V8 juice for more depth or quick-cooking tapioca as a thickener. It’s a versatile dish that adapts to your tastes, whether you like a meatier stew or want to try different vegetables.

Why This Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe Is a Family Favorite

This family beef stew recipe has become a hit, with over 19,000 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating. It’s been viewed more than 24 million times since 2019, getting 18,000 hits daily. Let’s see why this comfort food has become a classic.

Nostalgic Comfort Food

The recipe brings back warm memories and feelings of nostalgia. It’s easy to make, even for beginners. The rich flavors and hearty texture offer a comforting feeling, reminding many of family meals from childhood.

Perfect for Cold Winter Months

This stew is a go-to for cold winter days. Cooking it for 3 hours 30 minutes fills your home with cozy smells. It’s made with tender beef, veggies, and flavorful broth, perfect for fighting off the chill.

Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Option

This recipe serves 6 and makes about 12 cups, great for family dinners or parties. You can add veggies like parsnips or rutabaga to make it your own. It can be made ahead, kept in the fridge for 3 days, or frozen for 3 months, making it easy for busy families.

This family beef stew recipe’s lasting popularity comes from its ease, flexibility, and deliciousness. It’s a top choice for comfort food, beating many others in searches and popularity.

Essential Ingredients for Hearty Beef Stew

Creating a hearty beef stew starts with the right ingredients. This recipe combines rich flavors and tender textures for a comforting meal. Let’s look at the key components that make this dish a family favorite.

The foundation of any great beef stew is quality meat. For this recipe, we use 3 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into cubes. This cut offers the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked.

Vegetables add layers of taste to the stew. The classic trio includes potatoes, carrots, and onions. These not only add nutritional value but also soak up the savory broth, enhancing the overall taste.

• 2 lbs potatoes, cubed
• 1 lb carrots, sliced
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

For the rich broth, we combine beef stock, tomato paste, and a splash of red wine. This liquid base simmers with herbs and spices to create a deep, satisfying flavor that defines a hearty beef stew.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious and hearty meal for 8 people. Each portion has about 550 calories. This stew is not just filling but also nutritious, with 38g of protein and 5g of fiber per serving.

Choosing the Best Cut of Beef for Stew

Choosing the right beef cut is key for a great beef stew. The meat you pick can change the dish’s flavor and texture. Let’s look at the best cuts for your stew.

Beef Chuck: The Ideal Choice

Beef chuck is the top choice for stew. It has the right mix of meat and fat. When slow-cooked, it turns into tender, flavorful beef that’s essential for a hearty stew.

Alternative Cuts: Bottom Round and Short Rib

Bottom round is leaner and gets tender with slow cooking. Short ribs are fattier and add rich flavor. They’re great substitutes if beef chuck is not available.

Why Lean Cuts Work Best

Lean cuts like beef round are perfect for stews. They get tender without adding too much fat, making the dish rich and flavorful. Oxtail and beef shin also add unique textures and tastes.

Remember, 75% of beef stew recipes use beef as the main ingredient. Pick wisely to make a dish that will warm hearts and fill bellies.

Secrets to Tender and Flavorful Beef in Your Stew

Creating a delicious old fashioned beef stew recipe begins with choosing the right meat. Go for well-marbled beef chuck for a stew that’s tender and full of flavor. This cut gets incredibly tender when cooked slowly.

To make your stew taste amazing, brown the meat first. This step creates a tasty crust that deepens the flavor. Use 3 pounds of boneless beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch pieces for the best size.

Add aromatic ingredients to boost the flavor. Smash 7 cloves of garlic and mix them with a large chopped onion. These ingredients create a rich, savory base for your stew.

For a luxurious stew, don’t be stingy with the liquids. Use 2 cups each of dry red wine and beef broth for a hearty sauce. Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon are great choices, adding depth to the stew.

Let the stew cook slowly for the best results. This method breaks down tough fibers, making the beef tender and full of flavor. Your hard work will pay off with a meal that feeds 6 to 8 people, ideal for family gatherings or parties.

The Perfect Vegetable Combination for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Making a tasty beef stew with vegetables is all about mixing flavors and textures. The secret to a great old fashioned beef stew is picking the right veggies and adding them at the best time.

Classic Stew Vegetables

Traditional beef stew recipes often use a trio of root vegetables. These veggies form a solid base for your stew:

• Potatoes: Add bulk and absorb flavors
• Carrots: Offer sweetness and color
• Onions: Provide a savory base

Adding Variety with Optional Veggies

To take your old fashioned beef stew to the next level, try these tasty additions:

• Celery: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor
• Turnips: Bring a peppery taste
• Rutabaga: Offers a slightly sweet, nutty flavor
• Peas: Provide a pop of color and freshness

Timing Your Vegetable Additions

Adding veggies at the right time keeps their texture and flavor:

Cutting veggies into uniform ¼-inch pieces helps them cook evenly. This ensures a well-balanced beef stew with vegetables. It serves 8 people and has about 323 calories per serving.

Mastering the Art of Stew Broth

A rich, flavorful broth is essential for a great beef stew. It’s all about the right mix of ingredients and cooking methods. Begin with top-notch beef broth as your foundation. As the stew cooks, the juices from the meat and veggies make the broth taste deep and complex.

To make your stew broth even better, try these tips:

• Add tomato paste for depth and acidity
• Deglaze the pot with red wine after browning the meat
• Use a mix of alliums like onions, garlic, and leeks
• Let the stew rest overnight to enhance flavors

The right beef cut is key for a rich broth. Chuck, brisket, and oxtails are great for stew. These cuts have collagen and gelatin that break down to make the broth smooth.

Patience is crucial for making the perfect stew broth. A slow simmer lets flavors blend and get stronger. This makes your beef stew unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Making a delicious old fashioned beef stew is simple. This guide will walk you through each step for a tasty, hearty meal.

Begin with 3 lbs of boneless beef chuck roast, cut into cubes. Season and brown the meat in a pot. Then, sauté 2 medium yellow onions and 4 large carrots, both cut into 1-inch chunks.

After that, deglaze the pot with 2 cups of cabernet sauvignon. This step adds extra flavor by scraping up browned bits.

Now, add your liquid ingredients and let it simmer. For a slow cooker version, move everything to your cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. This ensures the meat is tender.

1. Prep time: 20 minutes
2. Total cooking time: 9 hours 20 minutes
3. Serves: 6 people

This recipe yields a delicious old fashioned beef stew with 404 calories per serving. Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a full meal. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. It’s perfect for making ahead.

Tips for Enhancing Your Stew’s Flavor Profile

Making a hearty beef stew is more than just throwing ingredients together. Let’s dive into some key techniques to boost your classic beef stew’s flavor.

The Importance of Browning the Beef

Browning beef is key for a rich stew. Cut chuck roast into 1 to 2-inch cubes and sear them in a hot Dutch oven. This step creates a flavorful crust and keeps juices in, setting the base for your stew.

Using Tomato Paste for Depth

Tomato paste adds a deep, savory taste to your stew. Mix in a tablespoon or two after browning the meat. Cook it a bit to caramelize the sugars, making your stew’s flavor even better.

Incorporating Red Wine or Alternatives

Red wine adds complexity to beef stew. If you don’t like alcohol, use more beef broth or white grape juice for acidity. These additions help create a balanced, tasty stew.

Try these flavor boosters to make your hearty beef stew unique. Slow cooking lets flavors blend, creating a comforting, tasty meal for chilly nights.

One-Pot Wonder: Why Cooking in a Dutch Oven Makes a Difference

Making an old fashioned beef stew recipe is easy with a Dutch oven. This pot is great for making a stew full of flavor and tender meat. Its design and how it cooks make all the difference.

Dutch ovens cook evenly, so your stew cooks well all over. The heavy lid keeps moisture in, making the beef tender and the flavors strong. This is key for a classic beef stew’s rich taste.

Using a Dutch oven for your stew lets you switch from stovetop to oven easily. Brown the beef on the stove, then put the pot in the oven for slow cooking. This way, you control the heat better and make tough meat tender.

Brown your beef chuck in batches before adding other ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Don’t forget to deglaze the pot with red wine or beef broth to get all the tasty browned bits.

With a Dutch oven, you’ll make a delicious old fashioned beef stew that will be a hit with your family. The ease of one-pot cooking and the pot’s great heat retention make it perfect for creating the ultimate comfort food.

Slow Cooker vs. Stovetop: Adapting the Recipe

The old fashioned beef stew recipe can be made in different ways. You can cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. This lets you pick the method that suits your schedule and taste.

Slow cooker beef stew is great for busy days. Just put your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic for 5 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. You’ll get tender meat and tasty veggies with little work.

Stovetop cooking gives you more control. You can adjust the heat and thicken the sauce if you like. It’s also faster, taking about 45 minutes to cook. This is perfect if you want your stew ready quickly.

No matter the method, this old fashioned beef stew recipe is sure to please. Both slow cooker and stovetop methods produce tender meat, flavorful veggies, and a rich broth. Your taste buds will thank you.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

A hearty beef stew with vegetables is best enjoyed with sides that complement it. Let’s look at some tasty options to serve with your meal.

Crusty Bread Options

Dunking crusty bread into beef stew is a classic move. Sourdough or baguettes are great choices. In fact, 1 out of 32 recipes we checked featured a Crusty Homemade Bread recipe. Italian bread is also a delicious pick, seen in 3% of the recipes.

Side Salad Ideas

A fresh salad adds a nice crunch to the rich stew. Consider a cold green bean salad or a cucumber salad with sour cream. Both are popular, making up about 3% of the side dishes.

Wine Pairings for Beef Stew

For beef stew, choose robust red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. They enhance the flavors of the meat and veggies. If you don’t drink alcohol, a rich beef broth or non-alcoholic beer can also be great.

Your beef stew with vegetables is versatile. Feel free to mix and match these sides for your perfect comfort meal.

Storing and Reheating Your Homemade Beef Stew

Preserving your old fashioned beef stew recipe is simple. After cooking, let it cool before storing. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave space in the container for expansion.

Reheating your hearty beef stew is easy. Thaw frozen stew in the fridge overnight. Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency. The flavors often improve after a day or two, making leftovers even more delicious.

For best results, avoid freezing stews thickened with flour or cornstarch. These can separate when thawed. Instead, thicken your stew after reheating. Also, potatoes can become soft when frozen. Consider adding fresh potatoes when reheating for better texture.

• Cool stew before storing
• Use airtight containers
• Reheat gently, stirring often
• Add fresh ingredients when reheating for best texture

With these tips, you can enjoy your homemade beef stew for days to come, savoring the rich flavors of this classic comfort food.

Variations on the Classic: Customizing Your Beef Stew

The classic beef stew recipe is timeless, but you can make it your own. Add mushrooms, peas, or kale for more flavor and nutrition. For a bigger meal, throw in parsnips or sweet potatoes.

Try adding anchovies, soy sauce, or extra red wine to boost the taste. These can take your stew from good to amazing. Remember, slow cooking makes tough beef cuts tender and full of flavor.

Don’t overlook herbs! Fresh thyme is already in the mix, but consider rosemary or sage too. If you’re up for a change, use dark beer instead of red wine. With these tweaks, every batch of beef stew can be a new discovery.