This old fashioned beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade beef stew to bring everyone to the table on a chilly evening.
The first time I made this classic beef stew recipe, it quickly became a family favorite. The melt-in-your-mouth beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, and flavorful broth make this dish feel like a loving hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re looking for an easy beef stew recipe for a weeknight or the best ever beef stew to impress guests, this dish has you covered.
What’s Inside This Recipe?
My Take on Old Fashioned Beef Stew
I love how this hearty beef stew takes me back to my childhood, with its warm, nostalgic flavors.
- The combination of tender beef, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots simmered in a savory broth creates a meal that’s both satisfying and timeless.
- One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can swap out the vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or even try it in a slow cooker for added convenience.
- Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use boneless stew beef, turning simple ingredients into something truly special.
- For me, old fashioned beef stew is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a recipe I turn to again and again when I want to create a meal that feels like home.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic beef stew recipe. Don’t worry—these are all easy-to-find ingredients perfect for busy home cooks:
- 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
- 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cut into 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
How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Making this homemade beef stew is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds:
1. Prepare the Beef
Dust the beef stew meat with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then season with the salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and sear for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until all sides are browned.
3. Build the Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the Liquid and Veggies
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Add the potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle in the sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and allspice, then stir to combine.
5. Simmer to Perfection
Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Thicken the Stew
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the stew. Let it cook for a few more minutes on low heat until the broth thickens.
7. Taste and Adjust
Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- This hearty beef stew is best served piping hot in a deep bowl, perfect for soaking up all that flavorful broth.
- Pair it with crusty bread or buttery biscuits for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter touch.
- For a fun family dinner, try ladling the stew into bread bowls, it’s a delicious way to enjoy every last drop!
Storing and Enjoying Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This homemade beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
- Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickened too much in storage, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
Top Tips for Customizing Your Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- Switch up the veggies: Don’t have pearl onions or celery? Try parsnips, turnips, or green beans for a fun twist.
- Make it gluten-free: Cornstarch is already gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s safe for gluten-free diets.
- Slow cooker option: After searing the beef, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Your Questions About Old Fashioned Beef Stew Answered
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use boneless short ribs or even pre-cut stew meat for convenience.
What’s the secret to tender beef?
Searing the meat first locks in flavor, but the real secret is the low-and-slow simmering. It gives the beef time to break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best ever beef stew recipes to make ahead. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you’re out of cornstarch, you can thicken the stew with all-purpose flour. Just mix 2 tablespoons of flour with cold water and stir it in as directed.
Warm, hearty, and just like Grandma used to make!
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of old fashioned beef stew to warm your heart and soul. This easy beef stew recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how it turns out in the comments!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends or tag WandaRecipes.com on social media. And while you’re here, check out some of my other hearty casseroles and slow cooker favorites for more inspiration.
Happy cooking!
Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes cut into 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
Prepare the Beef
- Dust the beef stew meat with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then season with the salt and black pepper.
Sear the Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and sear for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until all sides are browned.
Build the Flavor
- Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Liquid and Veggies
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Add the potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle in the sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and allspice, then stir to combine.
Simmer to Perfection
- Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Thicken the Stew
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the stew. Let it cook for a few more minutes on low heat until the broth thickens.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickened too much in storage, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up. Top Tips for Customizing Your Old Fashioned Beef Stew Switch up the veggies: Don’t have pearl onions or celery? Try parsnips, turnips, or green beans for a fun twist.
Make it gluten-free: Cornstarch is already gluten-free, but double-check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s safe for gluten-free diets.
Slow cooker option: After searing the beef, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
