Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Warm up your kitchen with the delightful flavors of Old-Fashioned Beef Stew. This comforting dish brings together tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth that will remind you of family dinners and cozy nights in. Perfect for any day, this stew is rich in nostalgia and taste, making it a favorite for families and meal preppers alike!

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

• Hearty and filling, perfect for chilly days
• Simple to prepare and cook
• Great for meal prep or freezing leftovers
• Family-friendly, even picky eaters will love it
• A classic recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients Needed

Protein

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

Broth

• 4 cups beef broth

Veggies

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Spices

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

Fats

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then transfer them to the slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened, then add to the slow cooker.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings

In the slow cooker, mix in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.

4. Add the Broth

Pour the beef broth over the mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well combined.

5. Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.

6. Serve

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your comforting stew!

Serving Suggestions Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

• Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
• Pair with a crisp green salad for some freshness.
• Enjoy with a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors.

Tips for Success Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

• Use quality beef chuck for the best flavor and texture.
• For a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end.
• If possible, let the stew sit for a bit after cooking; flavors deepen over time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

• Swap beef chuck for lamb or pork for a different flavor.
• Add diced bell peppers or peas for extra vegetables.
• Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• For a dairy-free option, skip any creamy toppings and ensure your broth is suitable.

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

A comforting dish that combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, perfect for chilly days and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Protein

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes Use quality beef for the best flavor.

Broth

• 4 cups beef broth

Veggies

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Spices

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

Fats

• 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the beef.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened, then add to the slow cooker.
3. In the slow cooker, mix in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
4. Pour the beef broth over the mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well combined.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Serving

1. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your comforting stew!

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping. For a thicker stew, add a cornstarch slurry towards the end. If possible, let the stew sit after cooking to deepen the flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.