old fashioned stew recipe
The Best old fashioned stew recipe
I’ve been making this old-fashioned stew recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The recipe originated in the early days of American cooking, when stews were a staple of farmhouses and homesteads. The key to this recipe is the slow-cooked beef and vegetables, which break down and blend together in a rich, satisfying broth.
I love that it’s so easy to make, too – just brown the meat, add some veggies and broth, and let it simmer all day. My kids adore it because it’s like a big hug in a bowl – warm, nourishing, and full of good stuff.
And as an added bonus, this stew is packed with nutrients from the carrots, potatoes, and other veggies. Plus, the slow-cooking process helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and easy to chew.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to suit our tastes – adding a bit more Worcestershire sauce here, some fresh herbs there – but the core of it remains the same. It’s a testament to the enduring power of simple, traditional cooking methods that never go out of style.
Old Fashioned Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting stew made with tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich savory broth. This classic dish simmers low and slow for deep, satisfying flavor.
🥘Ingredients
For the Stew
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Beef Stew Works
This old-fashioned stew is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it up at home with your family or taking it to a potluck gathering with friends.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – just thaw out any leftovers overnight in the fridge before reheating them up in your crock pot or on the stovetop later in the day.
And as an added bonus, this stew makes excellent leftovers – just portion them out into individual containers or zip-top bags for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Beef Stew
Q: What kind of beef should I use in this recipe?
A: You can use either chuck or round cuts for this stew – they both work beautifully. If you have access to grass-fed beef, that’s even better! Grass-fed beef tends to be leaner and more flavorful than grain-fed options. Just be sure to brown it properly before adding the veggies and broth.
Q: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! In fact, slow cookers are perfect for this type of recipe – they allow you to set it and forget it for hours on end while you’re busy with other things. Just brown the meat first in a pan on the stovetop before adding everything else to your slow cooker.
Q: What if I don’t like Worcestershire sauce?
A: No problem at all! You can omit it altogether if you prefer – just reduce the amount of salt you add later in the recipe accordingly.
Q: How long does this stew take to cook?
A: This stew will take about 2-3 hours to cook through on low heat in your crock pot or Dutch oven – longer if you’re using high heat or less time if you’re using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers for later?
A: Yes! This stew freezes beautifully – just be sure to label and date any leftovers you store away for later use.
