Rustic Old Fashioned Beef Stew: Hearty Comfort (Print Version)
Discover my recipe for Old Fashioned Beef Stew. Tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth make this classic dish a true comfort.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Base
01 -
2.5 lbs boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Root Vegetables
03 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 -
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
05 -
2 celery stalks, sliced
06 -
4-6 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
→ Flavor Builders
08 -
1 cup dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
09 -
4 cups beef broth, low sodium
10 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
11 -
4 sprigs fresh thyme
12 -
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
13 -
2 bay leaves
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first, get that beef chuck cut into nice 1-inch cubes. Pat them super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear! Season generously with salt and pepper. Seriously, don't skimp here; this is where the flavor foundation for your Old Fashioned Beef Stew begins. When it hits the hot oil, you want to hear that sizzle, see that beautiful crust forming. I always get a little excited at this stage, it just smells so good already.
02 -
Heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, don't overcrowd the pan! This is where I made my "steamed beef" mistake, remember? You want a deep, caramelized crust on all sides. This browning creates incredible flavor, called the Maillard reaction, and it’s non-negotiable for a truly rich Old Fashioned Beef Stew. Remove the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them gently until they start to soften and the onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that’s pure flavor, friends! This step always fills my kitchen with such a lovely, sweet smell. Then, add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for another minute until fragrant. Oh, the aromas!
04 -
Pour in the red wine and scrape up all those glorious browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the wine has reduced slightly. Now, return the browned beef to the pot, along with the beef broth, fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Give it a good stir. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook. This is where the magic happens for your Old Fashioned Beef Stew!
05 -
Let the stew gently simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is starting to get really tender. At this point, add your chopped potatoes. Give it another stir, cover, and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth soft. I always taste a piece of beef here to make sure it's just right. If it's not falling apart, it needs more time! Don't rush it, trust me.
06 -
Once everything is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the bay leaves and herb sprigs. Give your Old Fashioned Beef Stew a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes I add a tiny splash of red wine vinegar at the end for brightness, but that's my little secret! Ladle into bowls and get ready for some serious comfort. It should look rich, smell incredible, and taste like a warm hug.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't rush the browning of the beef; it builds so much flavor!
02 -
Leftovers taste even better the next day, trust me on this.
03 -
No red wine? Beef broth works, but that wine adds a special something.
04 -
Serve it with a crusty baguette to soak up all that incredible sauce.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 -
wooden spoon
03 -
cutting board
04 -
sharp knife
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 35g