Here’s a hearty, comforting, Old-Fashioned Creamy Beef & Vegetable Stew—rich, creamy, and perfect for cozy meals 🥩🥕🥔
Old-Fashioned Creamy Beef & Vegetable Stew
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Stew
- Tender beef chunks in a creamy, flavorful broth
- Packed with vegetables for a wholesome meal
- Old-fashioned comfort food for family dinners
- Make-ahead friendly—flavors deepen overnight
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add beef in batches and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Stew Base
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1–2 minutes to remove raw taste.
- Gradually add beef broth, stirring to prevent lumps.
- Return browned beef to the pot.
Step 4: Add Seasoning & Simmer
- Add potatoes, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer 1½–2 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add Creaminess
- Stir in milk or cream gradually.
- Simmer an additional 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
- Remove bay leaves.
- Add frozen peas if using; cook 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- With warm dinner rolls or garlic bread
- Over buttered rice or noodles
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme
🔥 Pro Tips
- Brown beef in batches for better flavor
- Use starchy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) for natural thickening
- For richer stew, use half-and-half or heavy cream
- Can make ahead: refrigerate overnight, reheat slowly; flavor improves
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Freeze in portions for 2–3 months
🔁 Variations
- Slow Cooker Version: Cook on low 6–8 hours, add cream at the end
- Cheesy Creamy Stew: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar
- Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne or smoked paprika