Old Fashioned Beef Stew Easy Recipe for Cozy Nights

Name: Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast is ideal); 4 tablespoons cornstarch; 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 (for mixing with cornstarch)

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When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a hearty, flavorful stew to bring everyone together around the table. Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a classic that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and rich, savory broth will warm you up from the inside out. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for both a weeknight dinner and a special occasion, especially when you want something cozy and comforting.

As a mom and home cook, I always appreciate meals that are easy to throw together, yet feel like a big hug in a bowl. This beef stew is my go-to for busy days when I want to make sure my family is getting something delicious without too much fuss. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or prepping a batch of leftovers, this stew is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Let me guide you through this simple and flavorful recipe, and feel free to make it your own with your favorite variations. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew

Table of Contents

Old Fashioned Beef Stew with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and savory broth.

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew isn’t just any stew—it’s a heartwarming dish that makes you feel like you’re sitting down to a meal made with love. Here’s why I keep making it again and again:

Simple, everyday ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already, making it an easy dish to whip up.
Quick prep time: With just 20 minutes of prep work, you can have this stew simmering away while you do other things.
Tender, flavorful beef: The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow simmering, and the vegetables soak up all the flavors.
Perfect for the whole family: This recipe is great for kids and adults alike. It’s one of those meals that pleases everyone at the table.
Leftovers for days: It’s even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.

If you’re looking for more cozy, filling meals, you might also enjoy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole or Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip to serve as side dishes.

What You Need for This Recipe

Before you get started, let’s gather everything you need. Most of these ingredients are common pantry and fridge staples, making this an easy dish to prepare.

2 pounds beef stew meat (I love using cubed chuck roast because it’s tender and flavorful)
4 tablespoons cornstarch (this will help thicken the stew and make it hearty)
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 (for mixing with cornstarch)

If you’re looking for more cozy recipes to make, check out Loaded Holiday Baked Potatoes for a comforting side or Beef and Barley Stew for a hearty variation on your stew.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by dusting the beef stew meat with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Season it with salt and black pepper to taste. This will help tenderize the meat and thicken the stew as it cooks.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned on all sides. This step is crucial because it adds rich flavor to the stew.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Once the beef is browned, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. This is the base of your stew’s flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce to deglaze the pot. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—these bits are packed with flavor and will make your stew even richer.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Spices

Add the diced potatoes, pearl onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the pot. Then sprinkle in the granulated sugar, dried basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and ground allspice. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

Step 6: Let It Simmer

Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes. Your house will start to smell amazing during this time!

Step 7: Thicken the Stew

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water. Stir until it’s completely dissolved, then slowly pour the mixture into the stew while stirring constantly. Let the stew cook for another 3-5 minutes on low heat until it thickens up to your desired consistency.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust

Taste the stew and add more salt or pepper if necessary. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once the stew has thickened and the flavors are perfect, serve it hot! You can pair it with Crusty Bread for dipping or enjoy it on its own for a comforting, filling meal.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew

Old Fashioned Beef Stew with tender beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, and celery in a savory broth.

Use a good cut of beef: I recommend chuck roast for its tenderness, but you can also try other cuts like brisket or round.
Make it ahead: Beef stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge for a quick meal later in the week.
Add your favorite veggies: You can swap out the potatoes or add other vegetables like parsnips, peas, or mushrooms to make it your own.
For extra flavor: If you like your stew a little spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce!

FAQs About Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for beef stew because it becomes tender as it cooks, you can also use other cuts like brisket, round, or stew meat from the butcher. Just make sure to simmer it long enough to get that tender texture we all love!

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! If you’d prefer to use a slow cooker, you can easily adapt this recipe. Brown the beef and sauté the garlic and tomato paste, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The slow cooker does a great job of tenderizing the beef, and you’ll have a delicious, hands-off dinner.

Can I freeze leftover beef stew?

Yes! Beef stew freezes really well. After cooking, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

How can I make the stew thicker?

If you’d like a thicker stew, you can either add more cornstarch (as outlined in the recipe) or mash some of the potatoes and vegetables right in the pot. This will give the stew a heartier texture without losing any flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for those chilly nights when you want to gather the family around a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit your taste.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew with potatoes, carrots, and beef chunks in a savory broth served in a black bowl.

Old Fashioned Beef Stew with carrots, potatoes, and tender beef in a savory broth.

And don’t forget, the leftovers are just as good (if not better) the next day, making this recipe perfect for meal prep. Share your stew creations with me on Pinterest, and let’s spread the warmth!

Old Fashioned Beef Stew