Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

🥘 Classic Beef Stew Recipe

Hearty, comforting, and full of rich flavor — this beef stew is the ultimate cozy meal!

---

📋 Ingredients Breakdown

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast or beef stew meat, cubed

• Salt and black pepper, to season

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup red wine

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 1–2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed (red potatoes or Yukon Gold work great)

• 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 4 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons cold water

---

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the beef:
   Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear beef on all sides until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate.

3. Deglaze the pot:
   Add red wine to the empty pot and scrape up all the browned bits with a wooden spoon.

4. Build the stew base:
   Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Return beef to the pot. Add rosemary, parsley, and the additional 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

5. Simmer gently:
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.

6. Prepare the vegetables:
   While the stew simmers, peel and cube the potatoes. Cut carrots and celery into 1-inch pieces. Chop the onion.

7. Make the cornstarch slurry:
   In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.

8. Add vegetables and slurry:
   After the first hour, add prepared vegetables and the cornstarch slurry to the pot. Stir well to combine.

9. Final simmer:
   Cover and simmer for another 1 hour, or until vegetables and beef are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

10. Taste and adjust:
    Add more salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot in bowls and enjoy!

---

🌟 Pro Tips for Success

• Choose a well-marbled chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.

• Sear the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding — this ensures a beautiful crust.

• Red wine is magic: Besides deglazing, it brings depth and complexity to the gravy.

• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels — season to taste at the end.

• Extra flavor boost: For deeper veggie flavor, roast the vegetables at 400°F for about 20 minutes before adding them to the stew.

• Variation: Swap part of the broth for a dark beer for a different rustic flavor!

---

🍷 Perfect Pairings

• Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls

• A glass of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette

---

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the sear: It adds vital flavor.

• Overcrowding the pot: Leads to steaming instead of browning.

• Under-seasoning: Always taste and adjust before serving!

---

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Beef stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Definitely! Try adding parsnips, peas, or green beans for variety.

---

💬 Final Thoughts

This beef stew is pure comfort food — simple, hearty, and full of rich flavors that warm you from the inside out. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it's a timeless favorite you’ll want to make again and again. 🥰