One-Pot Magic: Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe You’ll Love

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Best

When the weather cools down and you’re craving something hearty and comforting, nothing beats a bowl of old-fashioned beef stew. This classic dish is the epitome of home-cooked comfort food, filled with tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a filling family dinner or a dish to share with friends, this beef stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make this classic stew, offering tips on making it just right, and we’ll even share some bonus tips to pair it with other tasty dishes, like juicy grilled pork chops or Texas Roadhouse-style pork chop recipes. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents:

1. Why Make Old-Fashioned Beef Stew?
2. Ingredients for Classic Beef Stew
3. How to Make the Perfect Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
4. Tips for Tender Beef and Flavorful Broth
5. How to Pair Beef Stew with Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
6. Bonus: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Pork Chop Recipes
7. Final Thoughts

1. Why Make Old-Fashioned Beef Stew?

There’s something timeless about the combination of beef, vegetables, and a savory broth that makes old-fashioned beef stew a beloved dish. It’s simple to make, hearty, and perfect for a cozy family meal or even a special dinner with friends. This dish has all the comforting flavors we crave, with the added bonus of being easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re using chuck roast or stew meat, adding extra potatoes or carrots, or adjusting the seasonings, the beauty of beef stew is in its versatility.

What’s even better? Beef stew is an ideal dish to prepare in advance. It only gets better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld together for an even richer taste. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze. What’s not to love?

2. Ingredients for Classic Beef Stew

To make the perfect old-fashioned beef stew, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create the comforting flavors we know and love:

• 2 pounds of beef stew meat or chuck roast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil (for browning the beef)
• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced into chunks)
• 4 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 4 cups of beef broth (or stock)
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons of flour (for thickening)
• 1 cup of frozen peas (optional, for added color and texture)

3. How to Make the Perfect Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Making this old-fashioned beef stew is simple and requires minimal hands-on time, so you can focus on other tasks while it simmers away. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Stew’s Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes. This step adds depth to the broth and gives the stew a richer flavor. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables. This will help thicken the stew later.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated. Add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas

After 1 hour, add the diced potatoes and carrots. Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. If you’re adding peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Once the stew is done, taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

4. Tips for Tender Beef and Flavorful Broth

• Use Chuck Roast: For the most tender beef, use a chuck roast and cut it into cubes. This cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after long, slow cooking.
• Brown the Meat: Don’t skip browning the beef before adding it to the stew. This step locks in the flavor and adds richness to the broth.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Allow the stew to simmer on low for an extended period of time. This is key to making the beef tender and developing a flavorful broth.
• Thicken the Stew: If your stew isn’t thick enough, mix a tablespoon of flour with some cold water and stir it into the stew. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.

5. How to Pair Beef Stew with Juicy Grilled Pork Chops

For an extra hearty meal, consider pairing your old-fashioned beef stew with juicy grilled pork chops. Grilled pork chops bring a smoky, savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, hearty beef stew. The combination of tender, juicy pork chops and the comforting stew makes for a satisfying dinner.

How to Marinate Pork Chops for Grilling

To ensure your grilled pork chops are juicy and tender, marinate them beforehand. A simple marinade can consist of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme. Marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, before grilling them to perfection.

6. Bonus: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Pork Chop Recipes

If you love the pork chops from Texas Roadhouse, you’re in for a treat! We’ve rounded up a copycat Texas Roadhouse pork chop recipe that delivers the same tender, juicy pork chops you enjoy at the restaurant.

Recipe for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, then marinate the pork chops for at least 2 hours. Grill or pan-sear the chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Serve alongside your beef stew for a mouthwatering, indulgent meal!

7. Final Thoughts

There’s nothing more comforting than an old-fashioned beef stew, and when paired with juicy grilled pork chops or copycat Texas Roadhouse pork chops, it creates a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. The tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables make for a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

So next time you’re craving something cozy, try making this delicious beef stew, and don’t forget to grill up some pork chops for the perfect side. You won’t regret it!