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Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, or stew pieces cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2-3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 large carrots cut into thick slices
  • 3 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour optional, for thickening

Instructions

Prepare the Beef

  • Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. This step helps the beef sear beautifully and thickens the stew later.

Sear the Beef

  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Build the Base

  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop its flavor. Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Add Liquid and Seasonings

  • Return the beef to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer.

Add the Root Vegetables

  • Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Final Touches

  • Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. If you prefer a thicker stew, dissolve cornstarch or flour in a small amount of water and stir it in, simmering until the stew thickens.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.