Grandma’s Beef Stew

This classic beef stew is thick, rich, and deeply comforting—just like Grandma used to make. Tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, carrots, and onions simmer slowly in a savory broth until everything melts in your mouth. Simple ingredients, big love.

⏱ Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Total Time: ~2 hours

• Servings: 4–6

🧾 Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups beef broth

• 1 cup water (or more broth)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 4 carrots, sliced

• 3 potatoes, peeled & cubed

• 2 stalks celery, sliced (optional)

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season & Brown Beef
   Toss beef with flour, salt, and pepper.
   Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   Brown beef in batches until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics
   In the same pot, add onion and cook until soft.
   Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Build the Stew
   Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
   Add broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
   Return beef to the pot and bring to a gentle boil.

4. Simmer
   Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

5. Add Vegetables
   Add carrots, potatoes, and celery.
   Cover and simmer another 35–45 minutes, until beef is fork-tender.

6. Finish & Serve
   Stir in peas (if using) and cook 5 minutes.
   Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and serve hot.

🍽 Flavor & Texture

✔ Melt-in-your-mouth beef
✔ Thick, savory gravy
✔ Tender vegetables
✔ Deep, slow-cooked flavor

⭐ Grandma’s Tips & Variations

• Thicker stew: Mash a few potatoes into the broth

• Extra rich: Add a splash of red wine with the broth

• Slow cooker: LOW 8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours

• No flour: Thicken at the end with cornstarch slurry

• Best next day: Flavors get even better overnight

📊 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 22g

• Carbs: 30g