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Old Fashioned Beef Stew

A hearty and comforting old fashioned beef stew recipe featuring tender beef, rich broth, and chunky vegetables, perfect for chilly days.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 pounds beef chuck cut into cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 and a half cups carrots sliced
  • 1 and a half cups potatoes chopped
  • 1 cup celery chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
  3. Brown the beef in batches, searing on all sides, then remove from pot and set aside.
  4. Add remaining 1.5 tablespoons olive oil to the pot.
  5. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Return browned beef to the pot and mix well.
  8. Pour in beef broth to cover the meat.
  9. Add dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  10. Cover the pot, lower heat, and simmer for 90 minutes.
  11. After 90 minutes, add carrots, potatoes, and celery.
  12. Simmer uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, allowing broth to thicken.
  13. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or broth if needed.

Notes

This stew gets even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth if it gets too thick. For a slow cooker version, brown beef first, then cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5, adding vegetables halfway through.