Old Fashioned Beef Stew on the Stovetop - Bites with Bri (2024)

Published: Oct 5, 2023 by Brianna May · This post may contain affiliate links.

This mouthwatering Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe (Stove Top) is made low and slow, creating the most tender bits of beef. This beef stew is packed with veggies and a comforting broth, which is perfect for chilly weather days. Serve it with crusty bread for a truly cozy meal.

This old-fashioned beef stew recipe stove top is the ideal comforting, hearty dish for cooler weather. You’ll cook this delicious recipe low and slow to create a savory gravy, uber-tender meat, creamy potatoes, and perfectly cooked veggies. This one-pot recipe is easy to follow and features minimal cleanup (since everything is cooked in one pan!).

If you’re in the mood for more hearty beef dishes, try the following recipes: Beef Pot Pie with Puff Pastry or Healthy Beef Stroganoff.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Can be made with or without wine – This Old fashioned beef stew recipe stove top works with or without wine, depending on your preference. Use beef stock as a 1:1 replacement.
• Full of flavor – The seasoning, sauces, and garlic cloves combine to create an utterly delicious simple beef stew recipe.
• Hearty – With the tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, each serving of this stew is deliciously filling.
• Perfect for family meals – It’s easy to scale this traditional beef stew recipe by doubling or tripling it, making it a great option for families of all sizes.
• Great for meal prep - This classic beef stew recipe makes six servings, so it's perfect for enjoying throughout the week for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Stew Meat: I recommend using cubed and trimmed beef chuck roast for this old-fashioned beef stew recipe stove-top dish. This is one cut of beef that tenderizes and melts as it cooks, providing an uber-tender beef.
• Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
• Dry Red Wine: Dry red wine is the secret to tender meat in this stovetop beef stew recipe, as its acidity helps break down the meat. Pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot are great options for adding flavor to the dish.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

How to Make Old Fashioned Beef Stew on the Stovetop

Quick Overview

• Sear the beef.
• Sauté vegetables/seasoning.
• Add liquids.
• Cook.
• Add potatoes/carrots.
• Cook.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: In a 6 quart Dutch oven or a large heavy-duty pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add about half of the stew meat. Season with about half of the salt and some pepper. Allow it to sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Flip and repeat on all sides until the meat is brown. Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining beef.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium low. Do not drain any of the grease or wipe out the pot. Add the onion and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add the garlic, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.

Step 5: Deglaze the pot with the red wine, scraping any brown bits off the bottom. Bring the wine to a boil and reduce for 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire. Add all of the beef and any juices back to the pot.

Step 7: Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to medium low (or low depending on your stove). Cook covered for 1.5 hours.

Step 8: Add the carrots and potatoes. Cover.

Step 9: Cook covered for another 1-1.5 hours or until the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

Step 10: Stir in the peas and cook for about 5 minutes or until they are heated through.

Recipe Serving Suggestions

Garnish this old-fashioned beef stew recipe stove top with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

Since this old-fashioned beef stew recipe stove top (easy-version) is hearty and comforting, I like to serve it alongside cozy carb sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Scalloped Potatoes
• Easy Rustic Bread
• Texas Toast Garlic Bread

Expert Tips

• Sear the beef. Searing the beef is a major step that helps create flavor for this old-fashioned beef stew recipe (stove top). This step helps caramelize the surface of the beef chunks, creating a rich, complex taste throughout the stew.
• Add the potatoes and carrots in the middle. Timing is everything for stew. Ensure you add the potatoes and carrots in the middle of the cook time so they do not get mushy.
• Cook for the full amount of time. Do not rush this beef stew recipe. This old-fashioned beef stew recipe stove top (slow cook time required) features juicy, tender meat because of its long cook time.
• Freeze the leftovers. You can easily freeze this homemade beef stew recipe if you plan to make extra batches of this beef stew (or if you have leftovers). Allow the stew to cool. Then, pack it into airtight containers. It should stay good in the freezer for up to three months.

Additions & Variations

• Without wine: If you don’t enjoy the taste of wine or don’t have any on hand, you can use beef stock as a replacement in this old-fashioned beef stew recipe stove top. It will provide a slightly different flavor but will still create a delicious dish.
• With other vegetables: This recipe is versatile. You can include additional veggies like rutabaga, parsnips, and turnips for additional nutrients. Root vegetables are best, as they hold up well for longer cook times.

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