This is a slow-simmered classic: tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth.
Here’s a tried-and-true, traditional-style recipe:
🍲 Grandma’s Beef Stew
Ingredients
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2 lbs (900 g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tbsp flour
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 cups beef broth (low-sodium if possible)
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1 cup red wine or extra broth (optional but deepens flavor)
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3 large carrots, sliced
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3 potatoes, cubed
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp rosemary
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1–2 bay leaves
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: 1 cup peas (added at the end)
Instructions
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Brown the beef:
Toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd). Remove and set aside. -
Sauté veggies:
In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and a little more oil if needed.
Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. -
Deglaze:
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, and wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits — that’s flavor gold! -
Add broth and herbs:
Return beef to the pot. Add broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a pinch more salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. -
Simmer:
Cover and simmer gently for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender. -
Add veggies:
Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue simmering another 30–40 minutes until vegetables are soft. -
Finish:
Stir in peas (if using) during the last 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. -
Serve:
Remove bay leaves and serve hot with crusty bread or biscuits.
💡 Grandma’s Tips
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Low and slow is the secret — the longer it simmers, the richer it gets.
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Use marbled stew meat (like chuck roast) for tenderness.
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For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes into the broth before serving.
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Even better the next day — the flavors deepen overnight.
Would you like me to show you a slow cooker version of Grandma’s Beef Stew (just toss it in and let it cook all day)?