Name: Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Fresh parsley for garnish; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and black pepper to taste

Description

This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is a soul-warming, classic American comfort food that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients. By slowly simmering tender beef chuck with aromatic carrots, potatoes, and celery in a rich, savory broth, this dish achieves a depth of flavor that feels like a home-cooked hug. It is the perfect recipe for mindful cooking, designed to feed the family and nourish the spirit on a crisp, quiet evening.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, diced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Fresh parsley for garnish
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Pat the beef cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides; remove and set aside.
Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to toast it slightly.
Gradually pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
Return the beef to the pot and add the carrots, potatoes, celery, bay leaves, and dried thyme.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Remove the bay leaves and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Ensure you sear the beef in small batches to get a good crust rather than steaming the meat. For a thicker stew, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and often taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 420
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 110mg