Old-Time Beef Stew
Old-Time Beef Stew offers hearty, comforting flavors with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and white onions simmered in a savory broth. Rich in spices and slow-cooked to perfection, this classic dish is ideal for family dinners and cold evenings, providing a satisfying and timeless meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef or venison, cut in 1 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp shortening ⓘ
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 or 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- dash ground allspice or cloves
- 6 carrots, pared and quartered ⓘ
- 4 potatoes, pared and quartered ⓘ
- 1 lb small white onions ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Thoroughly brown the beef or venison in shortening in a Dutch oven, turning often. Roll the meat cubes in flour first to aid browning.
- Add 2 cups of water along with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion slices, bay leaves, salt, sugar, paprika, pepper, and a dash of ground allspice or cloves.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove bay leaves and garlic from the stew.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and small white onions to the pot.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, slowly blend 1/3 cup cold water into the 3 tablespoons of flour to make a smooth mixture.
- Stir this flour mixture slowly into the hot stew.
- Cook and stir until the stew bubbles and thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Continue cooking and stirring for 3 minutes longer before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the meat in Worcestershire sauce overnight. You can substitute venison for beef, or use a mix of both for a unique taste. If you're short on time, pre-cut vegetables can save prep time, and feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips for variety. For a thicker stew, increase the flour mixture gradually.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious gravy. A side of green beans or a fresh garden salad can complement the meal nicely. This hearty stew pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or a rich stout, making it perfect for cozy dinners. For more hearty meals, check out other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. It can also be reheated in the microwave; just ensure it's heated thoroughly before serving. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Time Beef Stew contains roughly 1211 calories, with 26g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (127% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and iron (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1088mg per serving (47% 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 slow cooker for this beef stew?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. After browning the meat, transfer it to the slow cooker and add all other ingredients except for the flour mixture. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the flour mixture during the last 30 minutes to thicken the stew.
What can I do if the stew is too salty?
If your stew turns out too salty, try adding a peeled potato to the pot and simmering for 15-20 minutes. The potato will absorb some of the excess salt. Alternatively, you can add more water or low-sodium broth to dilute the saltiness, but this may alter the flavor balance slightly.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
To make this stew gluten-free, substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without gluten.
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).