Welcome to my cozy kitchen! Today, let’s explore an old-fashioned beef stew recipe that promises not only to fill your tummy but also gives you that “cozy-at-home” feeling. With tender beef, a rich broth, and lots of veggies, this classic beef stew recipe is the good old-fashioned comfort food you’ve been looking for!

Cozy recipes are the best, aren’t they? There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a pot of old-fashioned beef stew simmering on the stove on a chilly day. I love a good, hearty soup or stew during the colder months. I putter around my house while the aroma fills the air, and everything just feels so homey. Let’s get started!

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew: A Cozy Classic for Chilly Days

Ingredients:

1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 stalks of celery, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups water
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups frozen peas
1 cup carrots, sliced
3 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon parsley
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Sear the Meat: In a large pot or large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes, searing them until they are browned on all sides. Remove the browned meat from the pot and set aside. Leave the browned bits from searing the meat in the bottom of the pan. They are going to add another layer of flavor to your stew!
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced celery. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

beef stew meat with onion, celery, and garlic

Simmer the Stew: Return the beef to the pot. Add the 6 cups of water, the bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour.

Add Vegetables: After an hour, add the carrots, potatoes, and peas to the pot. Continue to simmer over low heat for another 45 minutes to an hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Combine the four tablespoons of flour with 1/2 cup water and stir until smooth. Bring the stew to a boil and add the flour mixture. Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Tips for Buying Stew Meat

When shopping for beef stew meat, it can feel a bit overwhelming with so many options at the meat counter. But don’t worry! Generally, cuts from the shoulder, like chuck roast, are perfect because they become tender and flavorful with slow cooking. Buying meat and cutting it up yourself can be less expensive than buying “stew meat,” which has already been trimmed and cut into pieces. Did you know that opting for these tougher cuts is often more economical too? Try looking for well-marbled meat, as the fat will melt during cooking, adding a rich flavor to your stew.

Recipe Variations

Cooking is as much about creativity as it is about following instructions. Use the original recipe as a guideline, but feel free to make this stew your own! Isn’t that how new recipes are created, with people putting their own spin on a dish? Consider adding a splash of red wine for a bit of fanciness, or perhaps some spinach or green beans for extra color and nutrition. Does your family love a certain spice or herb? Don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little in! Perhaps you’ll create a culinary masterpiece!

Serving Suggestions

Beef stew is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices. I recently tried out this bread recipe, and it’s a keeper! It was so easy to make, and Grampy loves it. If time is short, a loaf of French bread from the store is fairly inexpensive.

You could also serve your stew over a bed of rice. If you’re feeling indulgent, try topping it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor. There are lots of possibilities!

pinterest image for Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Tips for Storing Leftovers

If you’re left with stew after dinner, yay!! Stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze your stew in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. How nice it would be to have a heat-and-eat meal ready and waiting for you on a busy day!

How Soups, Stews, and Chilis Stretch Your Grocery Budget

In today’s world, who doesn’t want to save a little money on groceries? Soups, stews, and chilis are not only comforting and nutritious but they can also be very budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like root vegetables and less expensive cuts of meat allows you to a create satisfying and delicious meals without breaking the bank. Plus, these dishes are perfect for making in bulk and freezing, ensuring you have a hearty meal ready to go when time is short.

Did you know that, according to a recent study, the average American household could save over $1,000 a year by cooking more meals at home? By incorporating stews into your meal planning, you can enjoy delicious homemade food while watching your savings grow.

t-shirt reading "Cook at Home." — Join the “Cook at Home” Revolution!

I am a huge fan of cooking meals at home to help save money. While groceries are becoming more and more expensive, a meal made at home is still the best value most of the time.

I understand that it can be intimidating to begin cooking at home if you’ve not really done it before. But saving money on groceries is a good reason to learn. Start with simple recipes like this one. Many stews like this one are a one-pot meal, so you won’t even be making a ton of dishes! And, don’t think you have to make every single component of a meal from scratch when you’re first starting out. The more you cook, the more you’ll learn. Remember, small progress is still progress!

When the weather’s chilly, there’s no better time to indulge in the simple pleasure of a homemade beef stew. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of the warmth and love that can be shared around a dinner table. So, why not don your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the cozy comfort of old-fashioned beef stew?

If you’re looking for more cozy, budget-friendly recipes, you may like Hominy Taco Chili or Creamy Potato and Corn Chowder. Both go very well with my favorite cornbread recipe.

Until next time, happy cooking!