Old-Fashioned Family Comfort Stew Recipe
Introduction
This Old-Fashioned Family Comfort Recipe brings together simple ingredients for a warm, hearty meal. Perfect for cozy dinners, it combines meat, vegetables, and seasonings in a soothing, tender dish.
Ingredients
- Meat (your choice, such as beef or chicken)
- Vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, and onions)
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, and herbs to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the meat, vegetables, and seasonings in a large pot or slow cooker.
- Step 2: Cook over low heat, allowing the mixture to simmer gently until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Tips & Variations
- Add garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Use bone-in meat for richer broth and deeper flavors.
- Try adding a splash of tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory notes.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well and can save prep time. Just add them slightly later in the cooking process if you want to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for slow cookers?
Absolutely. Slow cookers are ideal for this dish—cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until everything is tender.
PrintOld-Fashioned Family Comfort Stew Recipe
A classic old-fashioned family comfort recipe combining tender meat, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, slowly simmered together to create a hearty and warming dish perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by cutting the beef chuck roast into bite-sized chunks and chopping all the vegetables as directed to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in Pot: Place the beef, carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, and garlic into a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the contents to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve the hearty stew warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the pot during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to blend.
Keywords: beef stew, family recipe, comfort food, slow simmer, hearty dinner
