Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

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YES 😍🍲 — I’d absolutely grab a bowl of this comforting classic!

Here’s your big, detailed old-fashioned beef stew recipe just the way you like it 👇

🍲 Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

📝 Introduction

There’s something timeless and heartwarming about a pot of old-fashioned beef stew simmering on the stove. This dish brings together tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas. Perfect for chilly days or family dinners, beef stew is more than just a meal — it’s a tradition passed down through generations.

🥩 Ingredients

For the Stew:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 cup mushrooms
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef
    Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown the Meat
    Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics
    In the same pot, cook onions until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Build the Base
    Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly. Add beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release flavor.
  5. Simmer the Stew
    Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, herbs, and bay leaves.
  6. Cook Low and Slow
    Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, until beef is tender.
  7. Thicken the Stew
    Mix flour and water into a slurry, then stir into stew. Cook for another 10 minutes until thickened.
  8. Final Touch
    Add peas or mushrooms if using. Remove bay leaves and garnish with parsley.

🔥 Methods of Cooking

1. Stovetop Method (Classic)

  • Best for deep flavor
  • Simmer slowly for tenderness

2. Slow Cooker Method

  • Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours
  • Perfect for busy days

3. Oven Method

  • Cook in a covered Dutch oven at 160°C (320°F) for 2.5–3 hours

📜 History of Beef Stew

Beef stew has roots in ancient cooking traditions where tougher cuts of meat were slowly cooked to make them tender. Across Europe, variations like French “boeuf bourguignon” and Irish stew became staples. Over time, it evolved into the comforting homemade version we know today — simple, nourishing, and full of flavor.

🧪 Formation (How It Comes Together)

The magic of beef stew lies in slow cooking:

  • Collagen in the beef breaks down → making meat tender
  • Vegetables absorb rich broth flavors
  • Herbs infuse depth into the dish
  • The broth thickens into a rich gravy

❤️ Why People Love It

  • Warm and comforting
  • Budget-friendly
  • Feeds a crowd
  • Even better the next day!
  • Perfect balance of meat and vegetables

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crusty bread 🥖
  • Pair with mashed potatoes
  • Enjoy with a warm drink or tea

🏁 Conclusion

Old-fashioned beef stew is more than just food — it’s comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers rich flavor, warmth, and satisfaction every single time.

💕 Lovers of Beef Stew

If you love:

  • Hearty meals 🍲
  • Slow-cooked comfort food
  • Classic home recipes

Then this stew is made for YOU ❤️

If you want, I can tweak this into a super thick gravy version, a spicy version, or even a bakery-style beef pie filling 😍

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