Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Enjoy this hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew with mashed potatoes or freshly baked bread. Tender, juicy meat smothered in rich and flavorful gravy. A comforting and easy-to-make meal this fall.

Tender meat in creamy and delicious gravy is what you need after a long working day or to enjoy with your partner. Homemade comfort food that is worthy of every moment you spend in preparing it.

I always pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes since this is how my family likes it. But it tastes great with French olive bread or even focaccia bread.

❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• This dish tastes amazing. The spices and the meat come together beautifully. The way of cooking makes the meat melt in your mouth.
• It looks appetizing and elegant. You can wow your guests and serve it during the festive season.
• You save time by preparing this stew a day ahead since it tastes even better the next day.
• Most of the ingredients are available and are budget-friendly.

🥩INGREDIENTS

Beef chuck – This cut of beef with a little fat will add great flavor to the stew.

Spices – The spices I have used are all fall-inspired. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper.

Carrot – Most stews have carrots and potatoes, but I have omitted the potatoes since my family likes beef stew to be served with mashed potatoes.

Onion – A hint of sweetness from the onions takes this beef stew recipe to the next level.

Garlic – Cooked with the spices and the fat from the beef, garlic enhances the taste of the gravy.

🔪INSTRUCTIONS

The steps to making delicious old-fashioned beef stew are super simple. You will find more details in the recipe card.

Step 1

Dust the beef cubes in flour and keep aside.

Step 2

In a pot, add oil and brown the beef from both sides. Remove and keep aside.

Step 3

In the previous pan and using the remaining oil, add the onion and carrot and cook until the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Add the beef, garlic, and spices and stir for two minutes. Add the water and cook until the beef is tender and the stew is thick.

👩🏽‍🍳PRO TIPS

• Be patient; the beef needs time to get tender. Don’t increase the heat, thinking the cooking time will be shorter; increasing the heat will prevent the meat from getting as tender as it should.
• You can use beef or vegetable stock instead of boiling water.
• Pat the beef dry before dusting it with flour; it will brown faster and better.
• Do not season beef with salt before searing/browning. It might make it tougher.
• It’s best to brown the beef in batches and avoid crowding the pan.

📋 VARIATIONS

Add more vegetables – You can add mushrooms, zucchini, and celery.

Use beef, vegetable, or chicken stock instead of water.

Make it spicy – Add chopped green chilies or red chili flakes for a little heat.

🍽️HOW TO SERVE

I mostly serve beef stew with mashed potatoes, but you can serve it with bread rolls, plain rice, or Mexican rice.

💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

🌡️STORING

You can store the leftovers in a plastic container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove top or microwave it.

To freeze the beef stew, place it in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag. It will keep for 3 to 4 months in the freezer. To defrost, place it in the fridge for a few hours.

⭐⭐Serve this with one of my easy rice recipes for a complete meal.

⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW

If you have tried this recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!