Old Fashioned Beef Stew
This old fashioned beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth.
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
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.
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.