Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a classic, comforting dish that's perfect for a hearty meal. This traditional stew combines tender cubes of beef with a variety of vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth. It's a great dish for warming up on a chilly day and is even better when enjoyed as leftovers, as the flavors deepen over time.

Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
2. 2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
3. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4. 4 cups water
5. 2 cups beef broth
6. ½ teaspoon salt
7. ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
8. 4 cups cubed potatoes
9. 2 cups chopped carrots
10. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
11. 1 cup fresh corn kernels
12. 1 cup fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
13. 1 cup chopped turnip (optional)
14. 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides.

Step 2: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat the meat evenly. Cook for another minute to brown the flour slightly.

Step 3: Gradually add the water and beef broth to the pot, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. Add salt and ground black pepper. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Add the cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, and dried rosemary to the pot. Simmer for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Add the fresh corn kernels, green beans, turnip (if using), and fresh tomatoes (if using). Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.

Step 7: Adjust seasoning to taste. If the stew is too thick, add more water or broth as needed.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or crusty bread on the side. It's a complete meal in itself but can also be paired with a light salad.

Tips:

1. For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
2. Adding a splash of red wine with the beef broth can enhance the depth of flavor.
3. You can thicken the stew by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with water and stirring it into the stew towards the end of cooking.
4. This stew can be made in a slow cooker. After browning the meat and adding the flour, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 300-350 per serving.
• Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving.
• Sodium: Approximately 500-600 mg per serving, depending on the salt content of the beef broth.

Conclusion: Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a timeless recipe that never fails to satisfy. It's a nutritious and filling dish that combines succulent beef with a variety of vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. Whether you're feeding a large family or looking for a comforting meal to last a few days, this beef stew is a wonderful choice that embodies home-cooked goodness.