This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is the kind of cozy, heartwarming dish that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and brings everyone to the table with anticipation. Tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and a rich, savory broth simmered to perfection—it’s the definition of comfort food done right.

Perfect for cold nights, lazy Sundays, or any time you crave something nourishing and filling, this stew is a timeless classic. It’s slow-cooked goodness with rustic charm, and it’s just as good on day two (or three), making it a great make-ahead meal or meal-prep favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Deep, rich flavor that develops beautifully with slow cooking.
Uses inexpensive, simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Fills your home with the most mouthwatering aroma.
Easy to double for a crowd or batch cooking.
Reheats and freezes wonderfully.

What Cut of Beef is Best for Stew?

Chuck roast is your best friend when it comes to beef stew. It’s budget-friendly and becomes incredibly tender when simmered low and slow. Other good options include bottom round or stew meat, but always look for marbling, as the fat adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.

Ingredients for the Old Fashioned Beef Stew

This stew relies on a handful of classic ingredients to deliver big, bold flavors:

Beef Chuck Roast – A tough cut that becomes meltingly tender with long, slow cooking.
Carrots – Add natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Potatoes – Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape and soak up the savory broth.
Onion – Brings depth and flavor to the stew base.
Garlic – Adds robust, aromatic complexity.
Tomato Paste – Deepens the umami and gives the broth richness.
Beef Broth – The soul of the stew, it binds all the flavors together.
Red Wine (optional) – Adds richness and enhances the depth of flavor.
Bay Leaves & Fresh Herbs – Essential for classic stew seasoning.
Flour – Lightly coats the beef to help brown it and thicken the broth.
Olive Oil – For searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
Salt & Pepper – Seasoning staples that bring balance to every bite.

How To Make the Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Toss the beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up the brown bits. Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Return the beef to the pot and pour in beef broth until everything is just covered. Add bay leaves and herbs. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Add carrots and potatoes. Continue simmering for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables and beef are fork-tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Discard bay leaves, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

How to Serve and Store Old Fashioned Beef Stew

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew makes about 6 generous servings. Serve it hot, ladled into deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It’s fantastic on its own or paired with crusty bread, biscuits, or over mashed potatoes for an extra cozy meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

What to Serve With Old Fashioned Beef Stew?

Rustic Crusty Bread

Perfect for soaking up every drop of the flavorful broth.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Soft, flaky biscuits are a comforting addition to the stew.

Mashed Potatoes

Serve the stew right on top for a hearty twist.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their crispiness contrasts beautifully with the stew’s tenderness.

Green Salad

A fresh, lightly dressed salad adds balance to the rich meal.

Egg Noodles

A great base for soaking up the savory juices.

Cornbread

Adds a touch of sweetness that plays well with the stew’s depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Can I skip the wine?
Definitely. While wine adds depth, you can use extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for richness.

How do I thicken the stew more?
Mash some of the potatoes once cooked or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water near the end of cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Parsnips, celery, peas, or turnips are great additions—just adjust cooking time so they stay tender, not mushy.

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Conclusion

Old Fashioned Beef Stew is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s rich, hearty, and deeply comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want to meal prep something warm and filling, this stew checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of dish that makes memories around the table.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a rich and hearty one-pot meal that brings together tender beef, root vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. It’s the perfect choice for cozy nights and family dinners, ideal for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, comfort food classics, or make-ahead meals. With minimal prep and incredible leftovers, it’s a staple in any cold-weather kitchen.

Instructions

1. Toss beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sear beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.

4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.

5. Deglaze the pot with red wine, scraping up brown bits. Let it simmer to reduce.

6. Return beef to the pot and pour in beef broth to cover.

7. Add bay leaves and fresh herbs. Bring to a simmer.

8. Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours.

9. Add carrots and potatoes. Simmer for another 30-40 minutes until tender.

10. Discard bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make it gluten-free by using cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of regular flour.

This stew tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.

Customize with your favorite vegetables like parsnips, celery, or peas.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Braised
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 430
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: old fashioned beef stew, comfort food, beef stew recipe