Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Old Fashioned Beef Stew! 🥘✨ This Classic Beef Stew is packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth—just like grandma used to make! Perfect as a dinner recipe for chilly nights, this Beef Stew Recipe is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving a cozy family dinner, this stew recipe is a timeless favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch divided
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb red potatoes diced (or Yukon Gold)
- 1 cup pearl onions or 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 cup cold water for cornstarch slurry
Instructions
Prepare and Brown the Beef
- Toss the beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and sear on all sides for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Build the Flavor
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and incorporate the browned bits for extra flavor.
Add Vegetables and Simmer
- Add potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery.
- Sprinkle in sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and allspice.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender.
Thicken the Stew
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water to create a slurry.
- Slowly stir the slurry into the stew and cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread, homemade cornbread, or biscuits.
Notes
- Prefer a leaner option? Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Want extra veggies? Add mushrooms, parsnips, or peas for variety.
- Make it spicy! A dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will add some heat.
- Gluten-free? This stew is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the broth ingredients.