Description

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Old Fashioned Beef Stew to bring warmth and comfort on a chilly evening.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes

3 tablespoons flour (for dredging)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Stew Base:

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 large carrots, sliced

3 potatoes, cubed

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Broth:

4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)

2 bay leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

Pat the beef dry with paper towels.

In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the beef pieces in the flour mixture.

Heat olive oil in a cast iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Brown the beef in batches, ensuring a deep golden crust, then remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Base for Maximum Flavor

In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and celery until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes to develop depth.

Deglaze the pot with red wine (or extra broth), scraping up browned bits.

Step 3: Simmer for Tender, Fall-Apart Meat

Add back the seared beef, along with carrots, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaves.

Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If needed, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the stew for a thicker consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

✔️ Use beef chuck – It’s the best cut for stew because of its marbling.
✔️ Don’t rush the simmering process – Low and slow ensures tender beef.
✔️ Sear the meat properly – This adds incredible depth to the flavor.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 2H30
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 320
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g

Keywords: Beef Stew Cast Iron Pot