Old Fashioned Beef Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, slow-cooked stew with deep flavors and comfort food perfection. This french-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 120 minutes brings together beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown beef cubes in batches until seared, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add onions, celery, and garlic; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until darkened.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are softened.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Old Fashioned Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (30 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Old Fashioned Beef Stew?

Refrigerate any leftover old fashioned beef stew in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Old Fashioned Beef Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Old Fashioned Beef Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Old Fashioned Beef Stew?

French cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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