Old-Fashioned Beef Stew: A Classic Comfort Food

Introduction

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is the definition of comfort food—hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying.
Slow-simmered chunks of tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory broth come together
to create a timeless dish that has been loved for generations. Perfect for chilly evenings or
cozy family dinners, this classic stew fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers pure
comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches and remove.
3. Sauté onion in the same pot until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 1 minute.
5. Return beef to the pot and add beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
6. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
8. Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Description

This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is rich, thick, and packed with classic flavors. The beef becomes
melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables absorb the savory broth. Each bite delivers warmth,
nostalgia, and satisfying comfort.

Tips

• Use beef chuck for the most tender results.
• Brown the beef well to add deep flavor.
• Cut vegetables evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• Mash a few potatoes into the stew for extra thickness.

Corrections & Common Mistakes

• Stew too thin? Simmer uncovered or add a flour slurry.
• Beef still tough? Continue simmering gently until tender.
• Too salty? Add unsalted broth or water to balance flavors.

Enjoy

Serve this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew hot with crusty bread or buttery biscuits for the ultimate comfort
meal. It tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a delicious bonus. Enjoy every cozy bite!