Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of comfort and nostalgia with this mouthwatering Old Time Beef Stew! 🥘 Imagine a steaming pot of tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, surrounded by perfectly cooked vegetables that tell a story of home-cooked goodness. This isn't just a recipe - it's a culinary time machine that brings the warmth of traditional American cooking right to your dinner table. Whether you're craving a hearty meal on a cold night or looking to impress your family with a classic dish, this Old Time Beef Stew is about to become your new favorite comfort food!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 lbs of cubed beef stew meat, 4 cups of beef broth, 3 cubed potatoes, 2 sliced carrots, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tsp of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed beef stew meat in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the meat on all sides until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrots begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Return the browned beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are fully submerged. Add the cubed potatoes and sprinkle in the thyme, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- After the cooking time is complete, check the tenderness of the beef and vegetables. If they are not tender enough, continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, checking periodically.
- Once the stew is ready, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your hearty Old Time Beef Stew!
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose well-marbled beef stew meat for maximum flavor and tenderness. Look for cuts like chuck or round that break down beautifully during slow cooking.
- Searing is Crucial: Take your time browning the meat in batches. This step builds a rich, deep flavor foundation for your entire stew.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The long, slow simmer is what transforms tough meat into fork-tender deliciousness.
- Don't Overcrowd: When searing the meat, work in batches to ensure each piece gets a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Vegetable Timing: Add softer vegetables like potatoes later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking. A pinch of salt or herbs can elevate the entire dish.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen overnight.Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious, rich gravy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 100mg
