Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
Warm up your kitchen and your soul with Old Fashioned Beef Stew! This timeless recipe brings together tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and savory broth for a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 4 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Coat the beef: In a large bowl, toss the stewing beef cubes with the flour, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, and brown them on all sides. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they’re softened and aromatic. Then, add the sliced carrots, celery, and potatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine ingredients: Return the browned beef cubes to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir everything together.
5. Simmer the stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
6. Add peas (optional): If using frozen peas, add them to the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will ensure they are heated through but still vibrant green.
7. Serve: Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the Old Fashioned Beef Stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
This hearty and comforting Old Fashioned Beef Stew is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Enjoy!
