Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

🕒 Time

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
Total: About 2½ hours

🍽 Serves

6 people

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🛒 Ingredients

🥩 For the Beef

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp flour (for coating)

🫕 For the Stew Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)

• 1 cup water

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 fresh sprig)

• 2 bay leaves

🥕 Vegetables

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 3 carrots, sliced thick

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 1 cup frozen peas (added at end, optional)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Season & Sear the Beef (Key to Flavor)

1. Pat beef dry with paper towels.

2. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Toss lightly in flour (this helps thicken the stew).

4. Heat oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

5. Sear beef in batches (do not overcrowd) until browned on all sides.

6. Remove and set aside.

🔥 Don’t skip browning — this builds deep flavor.

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2️⃣ Build the Flavor Base

1. In the same pot, add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.

2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to caramelize slightly.

4. Pour in a splash of broth and scrape up browned bits from bottom.

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3️⃣ Simmer the Stew

1. Return beef to pot.

2. Add remaining broth, water, Worcestershire, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.

3. Bring to a gentle boil.

4. Reduce heat to LOW.

5. Cover and simmer for 60–75 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The beef should start becoming tender.

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4️⃣ Add Vegetables

1. Add potatoes, carrots, and celery.

2. Simmer uncovered for another 30–40 minutes.

3. Add peas during last 5 minutes.

Stew is ready when:

• Beef is fork-tender

• Potatoes are soft

• Broth has thickened slightly

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5️⃣ Adjust & Finish

• Remove bay leaves.

• Taste and adjust salt/pepper.

• If thicker stew is desired:

  • Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water

  • Stir in and simmer 2–3 minutes

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🔥 Slow Cooker Version

1. Brown beef first (recommended).

2. Add all ingredients except peas.

3. Cook:

   • LOW: 8 hours

   • HIGH: 4–5 hours

4. Add peas at end.

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🧂 Flavor Boost Options

• 🍷 Add ½ cup red wine after browning (simmer 2 minutes before broth)

• 🧄 Add extra garlic for deeper flavor

• 🌿 Add fresh parsley before serving

• 🌶 Add a pinch of paprika for warmth

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🥖 Serving Ideas

• With crusty bread

• Over mashed potatoes

• With buttered biscuits

• Alongside a simple green salad