Classic Homestyle Beef Stew

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🥩🍲 Classic Homestyle Beef Stew — Hearty, Comforting & Timeless

There’s something truly special about a pot of slow-simmered beef stew. The rich aroma, tender chunks of beef, and vegetables soaked in savory gravy make this dish the definition of comfort food. Whether served on a cold evening or as a family Sunday dinner, this beef stew never fails to bring warmth, satisfaction, and togetherness to the table.

This is a classic, old-fashioned beef stew—simple ingredients, deep flavor, and a method that transforms humble basics into something unforgettable.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck works best)
  • 4 carrots, sliced
  • 4 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

  1. Season the Beef
    Season the beef generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Brown the Meat
    Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Do this in batches if needed—don’t overcrowd the pot.
  3. Add the Onion
    Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  4. Thicken the Base
    Sprinkle flour over the beef and onions. Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Build the Stew
    Stir in tomato paste, then slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
  6. Add Vegetables
    Add carrots and potatoes. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Simmer Low & Slow
    Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and the stew is thick and rich.
  8. Final Taste
    Adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot.

🔥 Cooking Methods (Choose Your Way)

🫕 Stovetop Method (Classic)

Best for depth of flavor and control. Slow simmering allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

🍲 Slow Cooker Method

  • Brown beef first (important for flavor)
  • Transfer everything to slow cooker
  • Cook 8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH

🔥 Oven Method

  • After bringing stew to a boil, cover and bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 2½ hours

📜 History of Beef Stew

Beef stew dates back thousands of years and was one of the earliest cooked meals in human history. Cultures across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East developed their own versions using slow cooking to tenderize tough cuts of meat. This method made stew a working-class favorite, feeding families affordably while maximizing flavor.

🧩 Formation & Flavor Development

Beef stew is built in layers:

  • Browning creates deep, savory flavor
  • Flour thickens naturally
  • Slow heat breaks down collagen in beef, creating richness
  • Vegetables absorb the broth, becoming soft and flavorful

Time is the secret ingredient.

❤️ Why People Love This Recipe

  • Comforting and filling
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Tastes even better the next day
  • Budget-friendly
  • Feeds a crowd with ease

Beef stew lovers enjoy it with:

  • Crusty bread
  • Rice or mashed potatoes
  • Biscuits or dinner rolls

🌟 Conclusion

This classic beef stew is more than a recipe—it’s a tradition. Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table. Simple ingredients, timeless method, and unforgettable comfort in every bite.

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