This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is comfort food at its finest — tender chunks of beef simmered slowly with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a rich, savory gravy. It’s the perfect one-pot meal for cold days or when you’re craving a wholesome, homemade classic.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Equipment
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, or replace with more broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- ¼ cup water
Ingredient Notes
- Beef: Chuck roast or stew beef works best for tenderness.
- Red Wine: Adds depth of flavor — you can skip it for a milder stew.
- Thickening: Flour slurry creates that perfect hearty texture.
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Vegetables:
In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. - Deglaze and Simmer:
Stir in tomato paste and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Return the beef to the pot. - Simmer Gently:
Cover and simmer on low for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender. - Add Vegetables:
Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue cooking for another 30–40 minutes, until vegetables are soft. - Thicken the Stew:
Mix flour and water in a small bowl. Stir into the stew and simmer another 5–10 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaf before serving. - Serve:
Enjoy hot with crusty bread or buttered biscuits!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
Tips and Variations
- Slow Cooker Version: Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
- Add Peas: Stir in a cup of frozen peas in the last 10 minutes for color and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
- Richer Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce while simmering.
