Old Fashion Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting beef stew with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 medium potatoes, pared and cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery, cut into 1-inch slices ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
- 6 cups hot water ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat the beef pieces with the flour mixture.
- Melt shortening in a large skillet and brown the coated beef thoroughly.
- Add hot water to the skillet and heat until boiling.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
- Stir in potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Old Fashion Beef Stew, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves while it simmers. If you’re out of beef bouillon cubes, you can substitute with beef broth. For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir in towards the end. This dish pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Old Fashion Beef Stew with a side of warm, crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For a twist, try serving alongside Beef And Cabbage Dinner for a comforting combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to retain moisture. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashion Beef Stew contains roughly 1828 calories, with 11g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 164g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1541mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, while beef is traditional, you can substitute with lamb or even chicken. Just be aware that cooking times may vary based on the type of meat used, so adjust accordingly to ensure tenderness.
How can I make this stew more flavorful?
To boost flavor, consider searing the beef longer to develop a nice crust. Adding garlic or Worcestershire sauce during cooking can also enhance the depth of flavor. Using homemade beef broth instead of bouillon can make a significant difference, too.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, green beans, or even parsnips for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender and cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).