This old fashioned beef stew is one of those cozy, soul warming dinners we love to simmer as a team on a chilly evening. Seared beef and hearty vegetables in a rich, herby broth fill the whole house with an amazing aroma, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Vegetables is the ultimate cozy comfort food for a chilly day. Tender, seared beef is simmered low and slow with potatoes, carrots, celery, and pearl onions in a rich, herby broth. Hearty, satisfying, and made in one pot, this beef stew is even better the next day, making it perfect for family dinners and make ahead meals alike.
What makes this beef stew so good is the seared beef and long, gentle simmer. Tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables come together in a rich, herby broth.
Why You Will Love This Beef Stew
- Hearty and comforting. This beef stew is the ultimate cozy meal for a chilly day.
- Fork tender beef. Searing then simmering makes the beef melt in your mouth.
- Loaded with vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions in every bowl.
- Rich, savory broth. Herbs and Worcestershire create deep, satisfying flavor.
- One pot meal. Everything cooks together for an easy, complete dinner.
What Makes This Beef Stew So Good
Searing the beef first is the key to flavor. Browning the cornstarch dusted meat builds a deep, savory base and helps thicken the stew as it simmers.
Tomato paste and Worcestershire add richness. Cooked with the garlic and used to deglaze the pan, they create a deep, savory broth full of flavor.
A medley of vegetables makes it a meal. Potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, and celery simmer until tender, soaking up all of that rich, herby broth.
A long, gentle simmer is what defines a classic stew, slowly turning the beef fork tender and melding all of the flavors together.
Optional Pro Tip: Tender Beef and a Rich Broth
Sear the beef well before simmering. Browning all sides of the cornstarch dusted meat builds deep flavor, and the cornstarch helps create a richer, thicker stew.
Let it simmer low and slow. Gently simmering for 90 to 120 minutes is what turns the beef fork tender, so give it the full time rather than rushing it over high heat.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew
- Use chuck roast. It becomes tender and flavorful when simmered.
- Sear in batches. Do not crowd the pot so the beef browns well.
- Deglaze the pan. Scrape up the browned bits for extra flavor.
- Cut vegetables evenly. Uniform pieces cook at the same rate.
- Simmer gently. A low simmer keeps the beef tender.
- Thicken at the end. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to finish.
- Taste and adjust. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
- Make it ahead. The flavor deepens overnight.
Variations and Add Ins
This beef stew is easy to customize.
- Add balsamic. A splash of balsamic vinegar adds rich, deep flavor.
- Add peas. Stir in frozen peas at the end for color.
- Add mushrooms. They add savory, earthy depth.
- Use sweet potatoes. Swap in for a touch of sweetness.
- Add a bay leaf. Simmer one in for classic stew flavor.
- Make it in a slow cooker. Sear, then slow cook until tender.
- Add parsnips. They add a sweet, earthy note.
- Thicken with flour. Use a flour slurry instead of cornstarch.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Like most stews, the flavor deepens and improves overnight.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened. This stew also freezes well for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Stew
This hearty beef stew is a complete meal in a bowl, with tender beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a rich broth. It is wonderfully satisfying all on its own.
Serve it with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up every last bit of the savory broth. A pat of butter on the bread makes it extra cozy.
A simple green salad or a side of steamed greens adds a fresh contrast. For an extra hearty meal, spoon the stew over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
- With crusty bread. Perfect for the rich broth.
- With a green salad. A fresh, light contrast.
- Over mashed potatoes. For an extra hearty meal.
- With dinner rolls. Warm and comforting.
For another cozy, comforting dinner, our slow cooker chicken stew is a hearty favorite to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beef for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal. It has enough fat and connective tissue to become fork tender and flavorful during the long, slow simmer.
Why do I dust the beef in cornstarch?
Dusting the beef in cornstarch helps it brown and adds body to the stew, gently thickening the broth as the meat simmers.
Do I have to sear the beef?
Searing is highly recommended. Browning the beef builds deep, savory flavor and creates the rich base that makes the stew taste so good.
How long should it simmer?
Simmer gently for 90 to 120 minutes, or until the beef is fork tender. A low, slow simmer is the key to tender meat.
How do I thicken beef stew?
A cornstarch slurry stirred in at the end thickens the broth. You can also use a flour slurry or simmer it uncovered to reduce.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sear the beef and saute the aromatics first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low until the beef is tender.
What vegetables work in beef stew?
Potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions are classic. Mushrooms, parsnips, peas, or turnips are also great additions.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool it completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Why is my beef tough?
Tough beef usually needs more time. Keep simmering gently until it turns fork tender, as the connective tissue needs time to break down.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Beef stew tastes even better the next day, so it is a great make ahead meal. Just reheat gently with a splash of broth.
A Bowl of Cozy Comfort
This old fashioned beef stew is the ultimate cozy comfort food, with fork tender beef and hearty vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. It is the kind of warming, satisfying meal that fills the whole house with a wonderful aroma.
Made in one pot and even better the next day, it is perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners alike. Serve it with crusty bread, and this classic beef stew is sure to become a cold weather favorite.
Love a bright, comforting dinner? Our lemon chicken piccata is another satisfying favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Vegetables
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dust the beef with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and season with the salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium high heat, then sear the beef for about 5 minutes until browned on all sides, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, and celery, then sprinkle in the sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and allspice, and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons cornstarch with the cold water until dissolved.
- Slowly stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew and cook on low for a few more minutes until thickened.
- Taste, adjust the salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
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