Old Fashioned Beef Stew: A Stovetop Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers
Are you craving a hearty, warming meal that evokes feelings of nostalgia and home-cooked goodness? Look no further than this old-fashioned beef stew recipe, perfect for a cozy night in. This stovetop version delivers all the rich, savory flavors you expect from a classic beef stew without requiring a slow cooker. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this timeless dish!
Ingredients for Your Old Fashioned Beef Stew
This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure maximum flavor. Don't skimp on the quality of your beef—it makes all the difference!
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast or bottom round work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor – substitute with more broth if needed)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or russet are excellent choices)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and nutrients)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Perfect Beef Stew
This recipe is designed for ease and simplicity, even for beginner cooks. Follow these steps for a flawlessly delicious beef stew.
Step 1: Browning the Beef
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This step helps develop a rich, deep flavor. Set the browned beef aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Building the Stew
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using).
- Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
Step 4: Adding Potatoes and Peas
- After 1.5-2 hours, add the cubed potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas (if using).
Step 5: Serving Your Masterpiece
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping—the perfect way to soak up all that delicious gravy!
Tips and Variations for Your Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- For a thicker stew: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This old-fashioned beef stew recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavors and comforting texture will make it a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
