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Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Julia
This old fashioned beef stew is a classic, hearty one-pot meal made with tender beef chuck, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, savory broth. Slow-simmered for deep flavor, this traditional beef stew recipe is pure comfort food—perfect for cold nights, family dinners, and make-ahead meals that taste even better the next day.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs beef chuck cut into large, even cubes
  • 4 medium potatoes peeled and chunked
  • 4 large carrots sliced thick
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • Flavor Base
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Pantry Staples
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Beef
  • Pat beef dry with paper towels.
  • Season generously with salt and black pepper.
  • Lightly coat beef with flour, shaking off excess.
  • Brown the Beef
  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Brown beef in batches, searing all sides.
  • Remove beef and set aside.
  • Build the Base
  • In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened.
  • Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Simmer
  • Return beef to the pot.
  • Add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours.
  • Add Vegetables
  • Add potatoes and carrots.
  • Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, until vegetables are tender and stew thickens.
  • Finish
  • Remove bay leaves.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Let stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • A gentle simmer is key—boiling too hard can make beef tough.
  • Cut vegetables large so they hold their shape during long cooking.
  • Stew thickens more as it cools.