Introduction

Angel’s Old Fashioned Beef Stew is a classic comfort dish that’s packed with hearty vegetables, tender beef, and rich flavors. Perfect for chilly days or when you crave a home-cooked meal, this recipe is sure to warm you up with its satisfying taste and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew is easy to make and always a hit.

Why Make This Recipe

This beef stew is not only delicious but also easy to prepare with simple ingredients. It’s a one-pot meal that simmers slowly, allowing all the flavors to meld together. The best part? It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your preferences, making it a timeless recipe for any occasion.

How to Make Angel’s Old Fashioned Beef Stew

This stew comes together by browning the beef, sautéing the vegetables, and letting everything simmer until tender and flavorful. It’s a straightforward process that results in a hearty, filling dish.

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
12 small boiling onions
6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
6 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, sliced
3 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cold water

Directions:

Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. In a resealable plastic bag, combine the ½ cup flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beef cubes in small batches, shaking the bag to coat each piece evenly. Brown the beef in the hot oil for about 1 minute on each side. Remove the browned meat and set aside.
Sauté the Onions: Lower the heat to medium and add the boiling onions to the pot. Brown the onions on both sides, about 3 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: Drain any excess fat from the pot, then add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, sliced celery, reserved browned onions, browned beef, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
Thicken the Broth (Optional): For a thicker broth, mix 3 tablespoons of flour with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl. Slowly stir this mixture into the stew about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking. Continue simmering until the stew thickens to your liking.

How to Serve Angel’s Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Serve this stew hot, straight from the pot, in deep bowls. It’s perfect on its own, but you can pair it with crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with fresh parsley.

How to Store Angel’s Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If you plan to freeze the stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Angel’s Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during the simmering process for an extra layer of flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When browning the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pot to ensure even browning.
Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, don’t hesitate to adjust the flour mixture to reach your desired consistency.

Variation

Add Peas: For a pop of color and sweetness, toss in a cup of frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Red Wine Addition: For added depth, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef and onions, before adding the broth.