There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Old-Fashioned Beef Stew on a chilly evening. This classic comfort food is rich, hearty, and packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a deeply savory broth. It’s a dish that warms the soul, bringing back memories of family dinners and cozy nights by the fire.

Slow-simmered to perfection, this beef stew develops layers of deep, comforting flavors. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the potatoes, carrots, and onions soak up the rich, aromatic broth. Whether served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles, this homemade beef stew is a meal the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Classic & Nostalgic – Tastes just like Grandma used to make!
✔️ Rich & Hearty – A deeply flavorful broth with fork-tender beef.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with slow-cooked perfection.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Even better the next day!
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable cuts of beef that turn ultra-tender.

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Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Beef Stew:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup (240ml) red wine (optional, but adds depth)
• 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Vegetables:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas (added at the end for freshness)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread for serving

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beef

1. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel. Toss with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef in batches, searing on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per batch). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

1. In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon oil and sauté the onions, garlic, and tomato paste for 2 minutes.
2. Deglaze the pot with red wine (or broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and paprika.

Step 3: Simmer the Stew

1. Return the seared beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours on low heat.
2. Stir occasionally, making sure nothing sticks.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

1. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Cover and cook for another 45 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
2. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove bay leaves and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 5g

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

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Tips for the Best Beef Stew

✔️ Use the Right Cut of Beef – Chuck roast is ideal for stew because it becomes ultra-tender when slow-cooked.
✔️ Sear the Beef First – Browning the meat adds deep, rich flavor to the broth.
✔️ Deglaze the Pot – Using red wine or broth lifts up all the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
✔️ Simmer Low & Slow – Cooking for at least 2 hours ensures tender meat.
✔️ Let It Rest – Beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!

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Storage & Reheating

🧊 Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
❄️ Freeze: Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

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What to Serve with Beef Stew

🥖 Crusty French Bread – Perfect for soaking up that rich broth.
🥔 Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A classic pairing for extra comfort.
🥬 Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the hearty stew.
🍷 Red Wine – A bold Cabernet Sauvignon complements the flavors.

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Variations & Customizations

🍄 Mushroom Beef Stew – Add sliced mushrooms for extra umami.
🌿 Herb Lovers’ Version – Add fresh rosemary and thyme for more aromatic depth.
🔥 Spicy Beef Stew – A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
🥩 Slow Cooker Version – Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.