Name: Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 50 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast); 4 tablespoons cornstarch (divided); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves minced garlic; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (cut into bite-sized chunks); 10 ounces pearl onions; 4 medium carrots (sliced); 4 medium celery ribs (sliced); 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 cup cold water

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 57 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, each spoonful bursts with layers of flavor and satisfying textures. This timeless classic not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also brings a sense of home and tradition to your dining table. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with raw red meat chunks sprinkled with white powder on top, held by a woman's hand pouring liquid over it in the top left section. In the top right section, a woman's hand holding a clear glass bowl full of small, round, smooth white balls. The bottom left section shows a white pot filled with pink and white round vegetables or meatballs covered with some seasoning sprinkled on top. The bottom right section shows a close-up of a woman's hand pouring creamy white liquid from a glass measuring cup into a white pot with cooked pieces of meat, orange carrots, and other vegetables in broth. The background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe relies on straightforward, essential ingredients that work in harmony to create depth and richness. Each component plays a critical role from the hearty beef to the delicate herbs that brighten the stew.

2 pounds beef stew meat (cubed chuck roast): The star of the dish, providing succulent, tender bites with plenty of rich beef flavor.
4 tablespoons cornstarch (divided): Used to both season and thicken the stew for that perfect velvety texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing the entire dish together beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and subtle spice.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for searing the beef to develop deep, caramelized flavors.
2 cloves minced garlic: Infuses the stew with aromatic richness and a mild pungency.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a concentrated, tangy sweetness that balances out the savoriness.
4 cups beef broth: The flavorful base that carries all the ingredients together in a hearty sauce.
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami depth with its tangy, savory complexity.
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (cut into bite-sized chunks): Provides creamy, tender bites that soak up the stew’s delicious juices.
10 ounces pearl onions: Bring a mild sweetness and lovely texture contrast.
4 medium carrots (sliced): Add natural sweetness as well as vibrant color to the stew.
4 medium celery ribs (sliced): Contribute a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fragrant, herbaceous note.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthy depth to the seasoning mix.
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Delivers a subtle freshness to brighten the rich stew.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides warmth and a slight smoky hint.
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Introduces a gentle spiced complexity without overpowering the dish.
1/4 cup cold water: Used to dissolve cornstarch for thickening the stew perfectly.

How to Make Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by dusting the cubed beef stew meat with half of the cornstarch and seasoning it with salt and black pepper. This initial coating helps ensure that your beef sears beautifully, developing a luscious brown crust that locks in the juices and flavor right from the get-go.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches if necessary, and sear each side until a rich golden-brown crust forms, about 5 minutes total. This step creates the deep, savory foundation essential to a classic stew.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Once all the beef is browned and removed, stir minced garlic and tomato paste into the pot. Cooking these together releases their wonderful aromas and intensifies their flavors. This small step contributes a vibrant backbone that will make the stew’s broth unforgettable.

Step 4: Deglaze and Combine Ingredients

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to deglaze, scraping the browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Those bits are flavor gold, so be sure to get them all! Add the potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle in the sugar and all the dried herbs and spices. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure each ingredient is well distributed.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

Bring the mixture to a rapid boil on high heat, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it gently simmer for 90 to 120 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the beef becomes tender and the vegetables are cooked through but still hold their shape perfectly.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew

Mix the remaining cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering stew while stirring constantly. This step adds a luscious thickness to the broth, turning it into a rich, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of meat and vegetable.

Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This final touch ensures that every spoonful sings with balanced, comforting flavor before you ladle it into bowls for serving.

How to Serve Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a brown stew filled with layers of chunky, soft vegetables and meat. The first layer is dark brown, thick broth with visible specks of black pepper and small green herb pieces. Floating throughout are bright orange carrot slices cut into rounds, creamy white pearl onions, and pale yellow potato chunks, each showing soft texture with a slight shine from the broth. There are medium brown pieces of tender meat scattered evenly, slightly rough in texture. A black ladle is lifting a spoonful of the stew, displaying the mix of ingredients clearly. The background is a white marbled surface with the rim of the pot visible, showing a light beige edge. The whole presentation feels warm and hearty. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top adds a pop of vibrant color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness that perfectly complements the stew’s rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve your stew alongside crusty bread or warm buttered rolls to soak up the luscious sauce. A simple green salad or buttered green beans also provide a fresh contrast to the hearty stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, cozy presentation, serve the stew in small cast iron pots or mini Dutch ovens at the table. Alternatively, hollow out artisan bread bowls and ladle the stew inside for a fun, edible feast that impresses every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy meals throughout the week.

Freezing

Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it incredibly convenient to enjoy anytime you need a quick, warm meal.

Reheating

Reheat the stew gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick, and heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, other cuts like brisket or short ribs can work well too, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?

Definitely. After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or until the beef is tender.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Substitute one tablespoon of fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried. Add fresh herbs during the last 30 minutes of cooking to preserve their flavors.

How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?

Low and slow cooking is key. Make sure to simmer the stew gently and avoid boiling it vigorously so the beef breaks down to tender perfection.

What can I substitute for pearl onions?

If pearl onions aren’t available, small white or yellow onions roughly chopped work well. You could also use shallots for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe is a timeless treasure that brings warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor to your table. It’s approachable enough for weeknight cooking yet special enough for gathering loved ones around. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll be rewarded with a delicious stew that feels like home in every bite.