The Complete Guide to Mastering Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Garnishing and Serving:

Serve the stew hot, garnished with more fresh parsley. This final touch not only enhances presentation but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the rich stew.

Finishing Touches:

Stir in fresh parsley at the end to brighten flavors. This adds a beautiful contrast in color and freshness to your hearty stew.

Thickening the Stew:

If a thicker consistency is desired, cornstarch can be mixed with cold water. Stir this mixture into the stew during the final minutes of cooking for a luscious finish.

Taste Testing:

Always taste before serving! Adjust seasonings as necessary, adding a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper to elevate the dish further just right.

Adding Vegetables:

Introduce the vegetables halfway through cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. This ensures they maintain their shape and texture, contributing to the stew's heartiness.

Simmering:

Allowing the stew to simmer slowly is key to tender meat and fully developed flavors. Keep the lid on to maintain moisture and warmth; patience is necessary for the best results.

Deglazing the Pot:

Adding red wine after sautéing is essential for lifting those flavorful bits stuck to the pot. This not only enhances the taste but also adds acidity, balancing the richness of the stew.

Sautéing Aromatics:

After browning the beef, sauté onions and garlic in the residual fat. This step releases flavorful compounds that form the base of your stew, adding depth to the overall taste.

Browning the Beef:

Browning is crucial in developing the stew's flavor. Heat your pot adequately before adding the beef, ensuring a golden crust forms. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will steam rather than sear the meat.

Master Your Recipe: Pro Chef Secrets

Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for additional flavor and texture.

Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a more vibrant taste. Add fresh thyme or rosemary at the end of cooking for a burst of flavor.

Pair with crusty bread, over rice, or with a side salad for a complete meal.

Fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness to the dish just before serving.

Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Root Vegetables and Herbs

Name: Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Root Vegetables and Herbs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 150 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Beef:; 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes, well-marbled for tenderness; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging; For the Vegetables:; 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds for sweetness and texture; 4 medium potatoes, diced for hearty substance; 1 large onion, chopped for aromatics; For the Broth:; 4 cups beef broth, low-sodium for flavor control; 1 cup red wine, adds depth and acidity; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, for umami richness; 3 cloves garlic, minced for aromatic flavor; For Seasoning:; 2 teaspoons dried thyme, earthy flavor profile; 1 bay leaf, for aromatic infusion; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Warm your heart and soul with this Old Fashioned Beef Stew, a classic comfort dish rich in savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. Tender chunks of beef, aromatic carrots, earthy potatoes, and sweet onions come together in a rich, tangy broth that simmers to perfection. Each bite offers a delightful texture, from the melt-in-your-mouth beef to the soft, buttery vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or cozy weekends, this stew brings nostalgia and warmth to your dining table. Made with love and simple ingredients, it's a dish that evokes cherished memories and shared moments. Serve it with crusty bread or over fluffy rice, and experience the satisfying blend of flavors that make this stew a beloved favorite for generations.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

120 Minutes

Total Time

150 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Beef:

2 lbs chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes, well-marbled for tenderness

1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging

For the Vegetables:

4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds for sweetness and texture

4 medium potatoes, diced for hearty substance

1 large onion, chopped for aromatics

For the Broth:

4 cups beef broth, low-sodium for flavor control

1 cup red wine, adds depth and acidity

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, for umami richness

3 cloves garlic, minced for aromatic flavor

For Seasoning:

2 teaspoons dried thyme, earthy flavor profile

1 bay leaf, for aromatic infusion

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by seasoning the cube beef chuck with salt and pepper, then dredge it in flour, ensuring an even coat to enhance browning during cooking.

Step 2: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured beef in batches to prevent overcrowding. Brown on all sides, roughly 5-7 minutes per batch, and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until fragrant.

Step 5: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until reduced slightly.

Step 6: Return the browned beef to the pot along with the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Step 8: After 1 hour, add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir gently, then cover and continue to simmer for another hour.

Step 9: Check the stew for seasoning; adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thick, add a bit more broth.

Step 10: Once the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender, remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley before serving.

Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Root Vegetables and Herbs

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Complete Guide to Mastering Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew with Root Vegetables and Herbs

Ingredients

Instructions