This Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a wintertime favorite. This hearty dish is simple to prepare, delicious, and economical. While there are hundreds of varieties of traditional beef stew, itโs difficult to beat the flavorful and comforting goodness of this rendition.
Make this recipe the day before you want to serve it and reheat for a one-pot meal with even more flavor. Serve with crusty bread or rolls for a feast. Beef stew creates great leftovers, and if you have a large enough pot, you can easily double this recipe.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups water
2 cups beef broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups cubed potatoes
2 cups chopped carrots
1 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 cup chopped turnip (optional)
2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (optional)
How To Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew:
Heat oil in large pot. Add beef and flour, stirring to coat beef; brown.
Add water, broth, salt, and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour.
Stir in potatoes, carrots (or turnips), and rosemary. Simmer 1-2 hours.
Add corn, green beans, and simmer for 30 minutes longer
Here are some variations and tips for your Old Fashioned Beef Stew:
Meat Options: Consider using different cuts of beef like chuck roast or brisket for varied flavors and textures. You could also try adding some sausage for extra richness.
Vegetable Variety: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas, celery, or mushrooms. This adds more color and nutrition to your stew.
Herb Enhancements: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten up the flavor. You could also add a bay leaf during cooking for a deeper taste.
Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Besides crusty bread or rolls, consider serving the stew over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
These tips should help you customize your beef stew to your liking! Enjoy!
To store your Old Fashioned Beef Stew, follow these steps:
Cool Down: Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the stew from becoming watery.
Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the stew into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the stew may expand slightly when frozen.
Refrigeration: If you plan to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days, you can store the stew in the refrigerator. Just make sure itโs well-sealed.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the stew. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When youโre ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through.