Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe (A Classic Comfort Dish!)

Nothing says comfort food like a warm, hearty bowl of homemade beef stew. This old-fashioned beef stew is a timeless recipe, packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights or a cozy family dinner, this one-pot beef stew brings back the nostalgic flavors of classic home-cooked meals.

This easy homemade beef stew is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring fall-apart tender beef and thick, hearty broth. Whether you’re making it in a Dutch oven or adapting it for a slow cooker, this is truly the best beef stew recipe for a comforting meal!

🛠 Equipment Needed

• Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

🍖 Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

• 1-2 pounds beef stew meat (or cut-up roast)
• 2 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons black pepper (or to taste)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 cup red wine
• 4 cups beef broth (for a rich, savory base)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 2 cups chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper mix
• 1 small bag of baby carrots (fresh or canned)
• 3 large potatoes, cubed (perfect for a hearty beef stew)

🥣 How to Make Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

1️⃣ Prepare & Coat the Beef

• Season the beef stew meat with black pepper to taste.
• In a separate bowl, season flour with additional black pepper.
• Toss the beef chunks in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are well coated.

2️⃣ Brown the Beef for Maximum Flavor

• Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the flour-coated beef and brown on all sides, then remove from the pot and set aside.

3️⃣ Build the Flavorful Base

• Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper mix to the same pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan (this enhances the depth of flavor!). Cook for another 2 minutes.
• Stir in red wine vinegar.

4️⃣ Simmer the Beef Stew to Perfection

• Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot.
• Add bay leaves and beef broth, stirring well.
• Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop the rich, classic beef stew flavor.

5️⃣ Add the Vegetables & Cook Low and Slow

• Add potatoes and carrots, then reduce heat to low.
• Simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
• 👉 If using canned vegetables: Simmer the beef mixture for 1 hour first, then add carrots and potatoes and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes.

🥖 What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

This classic beef stew is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the thick beef stew broth.
• Buttered cornbread – A Southern-style pairing that balances the richness of the stew.
• A fresh green salad – Light and refreshing alongside this hearty meal.

🔥 Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Beef Stew

✔ Use a marbled cut of beef like chuck roast for extra tenderness.
✔ Don’t skip browning the meat! This step locks in deep flavor.
✔ Adjust seasoning at the end to make sure the broth is just right.
✔ For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

❄ How to Store & Reheat Beef Stew

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

❤️ You May Also Like:

Southern Cornbread – The perfect side for soaking up stews and soups!

Classic Pot Roast – A slow-cooked family favorite!

Homestyle Chicken & Dumplings – Cozy and delicious one-pot comfort food.