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If you’re longing for a wholesome meal that fills your kitchen with nostalgia, this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is your answer. It’s the ultimate comfort food rich, hearty, and loaded with vegetables making supper a warm, affordable, and healthy treat for your family. Whether you’re craving quick dinner ideas or kid-friendly dinners, this classic stew will become one of your favorite easy weeknight dinners.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Freshly ground pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Beef stewing meat (1-inch cubes) | 1 pound |
| Vegetable oil | 5 teaspoons |
| Red wine vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Red wine | 1 cup |
| Beef broth (homemade/low sodium) | 3 ½ cups |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Carrots (sliced ¼-inch rounds) | 5 medium |
| Baking potatoes (¾-inch cubes) | 2 large |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss beef cubes in flour and pepper. In a large pot, heat 3 tsp oil. Brown beef in batches, don’t overcrowd. Add oil as needed.
- Remove the beef; add vinegar and wine to pot. Scrape browned bits with wooden spoon.
- Return beef to pot with broth and bay leaves. Boil, then reduce to simmer.
- Cover; cook for 1½ hours, skimming occasionally. Add onions and carrots, cover, simmer 10 min. Add potatoes, simmer until vegetables are tender (30 min). Add broth if dry; season to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- Use a Dutch oven for evenly cooked, deeply flavored stew.
- For quicker prep, cut vegetables and meat ahead of time with a sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board.
- Skim off any excess fat for a lighter finish.
- Make it richer by adding extra carrots and onions.
Equipment List
- Large pot/Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen utensils set
FAQ
What makes beef stew old-fashioned?
Classic ingredients like beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered slowly for depth of flavor.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Traditional stew requires simmering liquid, so use a large pot or Dutch oven instead.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool, transfer to airtight container, and refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes, substitute with extra broth, although wine adds depth.
Hearty Old-Fashioned Beef Stew for Cozy Family Dinners Ready in 2 Hours
Classic old-fashioned beef stew brimming with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and a savory broth for cozy family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 pound beef stewing meat, trimmed and cubed
5 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup red wine
3½ cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
5 medium carrots, sliced
2 large baking potatoes, diced
2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
1. Combine flour and pepper, toss beef to coat.
2. Heat 3 tsp oil in a large pot, brown beef in batches.
3. Remove beef, add vinegar and wine, scrape browned bits.
4. Return beef, add broth and bay leaves, bring to boil, reduce to simmer.
5. Cover and cook for 1½ hrs, skimming occasionally.
6. Add onions and carrots, simmer covered 10 min.
7. Add potatoes, simmer 30 min until tender; add broth if dry.
8. Season with salt and pepper, ladle into 4 bowls, and serve.
Notes
Use a Dutch oven for best results. Skim fat while simmering. Substitute wine for extra broth if preferred.
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