Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Old Fashioned Beef Stew isn’t just a dish—it’s a cozy memory wrapped in a warm bowl. Whether it’s chilly outside or you’re just craving something hearty, this stew brings all the feel-good flavors of grandma’s kitchen straight to your table. Tender beef, chunky carrots, soft potatoes, and that rich, slow-simmered broth…yeah, it’s that kind of good. This Old Fashioned Beef Stew recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, and yep, it’s picky-eater approved. Best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Let’s skip the fluff and get to what matters: bold flavor, simple steps, and no regrets. And if you’re in a soup mood later this week, you might want to peek at our Creamy Turkey Barley Soup—it’s just as soul-warming.

Table of Contents

What is Old Fashioned Beef Stew?

Old Fashioned Beef Stew is exactly what it sounds like—classic, no-frills comfort food. It’s made with chunks of beef that are browned and then simmered low and slow in a rich broth with root vegetables and herbs. Think of it as the kind of meal that’s been passed down in families—not just for how it tastes but for how it feels. It’s a one-pot wonder, perfect for chilly evenings, feeding a hungry family, or making your house smell like heaven. This dish is rustic and satisfying, without any fancy ingredients or techniques. Just honest food done right. And if you’re the type who loves a steamy bowl of something after a long day, you’ll also want to bookmark our Turkey Noodle Soup for another weeknight win.

Reasons to Try Old Fashioned Beef Stew

First off, it’s nearly impossible to mess this up. Seriously. Old Fashioned Beef Stew doesn’t demand perfection—it’s all about comfort and flavor. Got 20 minutes to prep and a few hours to simmer? You’re golden. This stew is also super filling, so it stretches well for big families or leftovers. Speaking of, it tastes even better the next day (hello, easy lunch!). And let’s not forget—it’s budget-friendly. Chuck roast is often cheaper than fancy cuts, and the veggies are pantry staples. Bonus: your house will smell amazing. Whether you’re feeding a crew or cooking for one and freezing the rest, this is a dependable, no-fuss meal that delivers every time. For another cozy classic, our Healing Chicken and Rice Soup is another family fave worth trying.

Ingredients Needed to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• 2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast)
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1½ pounds red potatoes (bite-sized chunks)
• 10 ounces pearl onions
• 4 medium carrots (sliced)
• 4 medium celery ribs (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 cup cold water

Instructions to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Making a flavor-packed Old Fashioned Beef Stew doesn’t have to be complicated. With this easy step by step guide, you’ll go from raw ingredients to a cozy, bubbling pot of stew without the guesswork. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, here’s exactly how to do it—with plenty of tips along the way.

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Beef

Start by placing your beef stew meat (about 2 pounds of cubed chuck roast) into a large bowl. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss until the meat is fully coated.

Why this matters: The cornstarch helps the meat brown nicely and also thickens the stew later. Don’t skip this step—it sets the foundation for that rich, velvety broth.

🔎 Need help choosing the right cut of beef? Check out our tips in the Ground Beef Vegetable Soup guide, which also talks about beef selection for stews and soups.

Step 2: Sear the Beef for Flavor

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot). Sear for about 5–6 minutes, turning until all sides are browned.

Pro tip: Let the beef sit undisturbed for a minute before flipping—it helps form a golden crust, which brings big flavor to your stew.

This step is crucial. Browning isn’t just about looks—it deepens the taste and makes your stew irresistible. Be patient here. A good sear is what separates meh stew from mouthwatering.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base

Once all the beef is browned, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.

You’re not just softening garlic here—you’re layering on flavor. The tomato paste adds a deep, umami-rich backbone to the broth. Let it sizzle and get a little caramelized.

Step 4: Deglaze with Broth and Worcestershire Sauce

Now it’s time to pull up all that golden goodness from the bottom of the pot. Slowly pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon as you go.

This is called deglazing, and it’s a step worth doing right. All those browned bits = flavor gold.

Need a gluten-free alternative? Swap Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos or tamari, which still add depth without the gluten.

Step 5: Add Veggies and Seasonings

Next, add your chopped veggies:

• 1½ pounds of red potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 10 oz pearl onions
• 4 sliced carrots
• 4 sliced celery ribs

Sprinkle in your herbs and spices:

• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp each of basil, oregano, parsley, and paprika
• ¼ tsp ground allspice

Give everything a good stir so the spices are well distributed.

Want to prep ahead? Chop all your vegetables in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. See our Vegetable Prep Tips to make weeknight cooking a breeze.

Step 6: Simmer Low and Slow

Bring the stew to a gentle boil over high heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 90 to 120 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things moving and prevent sticking.

Why it works: This long, slow simmer allows the beef to break down and become tender enough to melt in your mouth. The veggies absorb all that savory broth and soften to perfection.

Need to set it and forget it? Use this method in a slow cooker adaptation to keep things even simpler.

Step 7: Thicken the Stew

In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. This makes a slurry.

Slowly pour it into the hot stew, stirring constantly. Continue cooking over low heat for another 5–10 minutes, until the broth thickens into that rich, glossy texture we all love.

Important: Always mix your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid. Dumping it straight in will lead to clumps—trust us, no one wants that.

Step 8: Final Taste Test and Serve

Turn off the heat and give your stew a final taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Scoop into bowls, serve hot, and let the “mmm” sounds commence.

Want to make it extra special? Add a warm biscuit or a piece of crusty bread on the side. Check out this cozy pairing in our Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup post for inspiration.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Beef Stew

This stew is hearty enough to be a full meal, but sides are always welcome! A thick slice of crusty bread (or a buttery biscuit) is perfect for soaking up all that rich broth. Want to keep it classic? A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness beautifully. You could also serve it over mashed potatoes if you’re in the mood for double carbs (no judgment). And if you’re hosting? Add a glass of red wine and a cozy dessert like apple crisp. Trust me, it turns this simple stew into a full-on comfort food feast. For more soup pairings, check out our Hearty Vegan Chili—it brings the same feel-good energy with a plant-based twist.

Key Tips for Making Old Fashioned Beef Stew

• Cut evenly: Keep your potato and veggie chunks uniform so everything cooks at the same pace.
• Don’t rush the browning: Let the beef get that nice crust—it’s flavor gold.
• Use chuck roast: It’s the best cut for stew—melts in your mouth after a long simmer.
• Low and slow wins: Rushing the cook time will give you tough meat. Patience = payoff.
• Thickener trick: Always mix cornstarch with cold water first—don’t dump it straight in or you’ll get lumps.
• Want deeper flavor? Try adding a splash of red wine or a bay leaf next time.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store your Old Fashioned Beef Stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually gets better the next day—like stew magic. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave works too—just go in 1-minute bursts and stir between. Freezing? Totally doable. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you’re into batch cooking, this stew is freezer-meal royalty.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then toss everything (except the cornstarch slurry) into the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours, stir in the slurry 30 minutes before serving.

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Sure, but chuck roast is your best bet for tenderness. Other cuts may be a little leaner (read: less juicy).

How do I make it gluten-free?
Easy—just make sure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are labeled gluten-free, and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

Can I add other veggies?
Totally! Mushrooms, parsnips, or green beans work great. Use what you’ve got.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a simple, satisfying, no-fuss meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your belly with joy, Old Fashioned Beef Stew is your answer. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together—warm bowls, full hearts. Whether you’re serving a crowd or saving it for future meals, this stew checks all the boxes: cozy, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Hungry for more soul-warming dishes? Pop over to our Ground Beef Vegetable Soup for another easy dinner idea.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print