This Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food—rich, savory, and packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Simmered low and slow on the stovetop, it’s a nostalgic, one-pot meal that’s perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cubed

• Salt and black pepper, to season

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• ½ cup red wine (Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Zinfandel)

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 1–2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 3 large potatoes (Yukon gold or red), peeled and cubed

• 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 4 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons cold water

Directions

1. Sear the Beef:
   Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.

2. Deglaze:
   Pour red wine into the pot and scrape the bottom to release browned bits.

3. Simmer the Base:
   Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seared beef, rosemary, parsley, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.

4. Prep the Vegetables:
   While stew simmers, dice potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion.

5. Make Slurry:
   In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

6. Add Veggies & Thicken:
   After 1 hour, add vegetables and cornstarch slurry. Stir, cover, and simmer another hour until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.

7. Finish & Serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm in bowls with crusty bread or cornbread.

Nutrients (Estimated Per Serving – yields approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Protein: ~32g

• Fat: ~20g

• Carbohydrates: ~28g

• Fiber: ~4g

• Sugar: ~6g

• Sodium: ~600mg

• Iron: ~4mg

Why This Stew Stands the Test of Time

The beauty of Old-Fashioned Beef Stew lies in its simplicity. While there are many variations and regional twists, the core elements—beef, vegetables, broth, and herbs—remain universally comforting. This stew has been a mainstay in kitchens for generations, beloved for its affordability, ease of preparation, and ability to feed a crowd with minimal effort.

This version honors tradition with time-tested techniques. Searing the beef creates a rich base of flavor, while deglazing with red wine lifts the savory browned bits from the pot, adding depth and complexity to the broth. Simmering the beef slowly ensures it becomes fork-tender, while the vegetables absorb the surrounding flavors and contribute texture and heartiness to the stew.

It’s a dish that requires no frills or trendy ingredients—just patience and care, which reward you with a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Tender Beef, Slow-Cooked to Perfection

The star of the show in this stew is the beef, and choosing the right cut makes all the difference. Chuck roast or stew meat is ideal because of its marbling and connective tissue, which break down during long, slow cooking to yield juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Searing the beef in batches before simmering is essential—it locks in flavor and caramelizes the surface, creating a robust foundation for the entire stew. As the beef cooks in the broth, wine, and Worcestershire sauce, it absorbs the liquid’s flavor while releasing its own juices into the pot, enriching the broth and creating an irresistible aroma.

By the time the stew is ready, each bite of beef is so tender it practically falls apart with a spoon—exactly what you want in a dish meant to comfort and satisfy.

A Medley of Hearty Vegetables

What makes beef stew a complete meal is the generous addition of vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions are classic choices for a reason: they hold up well during the long cooking time and bring both texture and subtle sweetness to balance the savory broth.

Yukon gold or red potatoes are especially good here, as they’re less starchy than russets and maintain their shape without turning mushy. Carrots add color and earthiness, while celery brings a gentle bitterness that brightens the dish. Onions melt into the broth, enhancing its flavor with natural sweetness and aromatic depth.

As these vegetables simmer alongside the beef, they become tender and infused with all the savory elements of the stew. The result is a medley of flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully.

A Broth That’s Rich and Savory

The soul of a good stew lies in its broth, and this one doesn’t disappoint. A combination of beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and classic herbs like rosemary and parsley creates a robust, balanced base. The wine brings a hint of acidity and sweetness, which cuts through the richness of the meat and deepens the overall flavor profile.

A cornstarch slurry added near the end of cooking subtly thickens the broth, giving it a silky consistency that clings to each bite. It’s not heavy or overly thick—just enough to create that perfect stew texture that coats your spoon without feeling like gravy.

Every spoonful delivers a harmony of beefy richness, tender vegetables, and herbaceous undertones, proving that simplicity and quality ingredients are all you need for a spectacular meal.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals and Leftovers

One of the many advantages of this Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is how well it holds up over time. In fact, it’s often even better the next day. As the stew rests in the refrigerator, the flavors continue to meld and intensify, making leftovers something to look forward to.

It also freezes exceptionally well. Divide it into single-serve containers and store for up to three months for an easy meal on a busy night. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and it’s ready to enjoy with minimal fuss.

This durability makes it a favorite for batch cooking, meal prep, and feeding large families. It’s also ideal for bringing to potlucks or sharing with friends and neighbors—a true testament to its versatility and reliability.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Beef stew is hearty enough to serve on its own, but pairing it with the right side can elevate the experience even more. Classic choices include a slice of warm crusty bread, cornbread, or a soft dinner roll—perfect for soaking up every last bit of the savory broth.

For a slightly lighter meal, serve the stew with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens adds a refreshing contrast to the stew’s rich flavors. You could also offer a side of buttered noodles or rice if you’re feeding hungry guests and want to stretch the meal further.

As for beverages, a glass of red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir mirrors the wine in the stew and complements its depth. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon or a warm mug of herbal tea.

Customizing to Your Tastes

While this traditional version of beef stew is comforting in its classic form, it’s also incredibly adaptable. You can easily tailor it to your tastes or dietary preferences. Swap the beef for lamb or turkey for a different protein twist, or make a vegetarian version by using mushrooms and legumes like lentils or chickpeas with vegetable broth.

Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, green beans, or even corn for added texture and flavor. A touch of tomato paste or diced tomatoes can give the stew a slight tang and richness, while a pinch of smoked paprika or thyme can offer a subtle change in flavor profile.

The core recipe is sturdy enough to handle variations without losing its comforting essence—so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew is more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of why traditional, home-cooked dishes continue to stand the test of time. With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, rich broth, and aromatic herbs, it brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals for the week, or simply craving something cozy on a cold evening, this stew delivers satisfaction in every bite.

Its simplicity, versatility, and depth of flavor make it a recipe worth revisiting over and over again. From the first spoonful to the last, it offers everything you want in a comfort dish: warmth, richness, and the kind of taste that feels like home.

So gather your ingredients, let it simmer slowly, and fill your kitchen with the timeless aroma of beef stew. You’ll not only feed your body—you’ll nourish your soul.