Name: Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup red wine (optional, or substitute with more broth); 3 large carrots, sliced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for garnish)

Description

This old-fashioned beef stew is a hearty, flavorful dish made with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for chilly days, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Ingredients

2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional, or substitute with more broth)
3 large carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup frozen peas (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the beef in batches. Remove and set aside.
Build the Base: In the same pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Deglaze: Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits, then add beef broth, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Return the browned beef to the pot.
Simmer: Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir well, cover, and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Final Touch: Stir in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Customizations: Add parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for extra flavor and variety.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: ~350 per serving