Print

Classic Hearty Grandpa’s Father’s Day Stew Recipe

grandpas fathers day stew recipe - featured image

A rich, hearty stew featuring tender beef chuck, root vegetables, and herbs, slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting and soul-warming meal perfect for family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or beef drippings
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine or additional broth (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chopped; crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat vegetable oil or beef drippings over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven. Brown the beef in batches, about 10 minutes, until caramelized on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add chopped onions and celery to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in red wine or extra broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits. Let reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
  6. Return browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth to mostly cover the meat. Add Worcestershire sauce and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally and skim excess fat.
  8. About 30 minutes before done, add carrots, potatoes, and remaining celery. Continue simmering until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
  9. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes

Dry and brown the beef properly to develop deep flavor. Simmer low and slow for tender meat. Add root vegetables late to avoid mushiness. Adjust liquid levels during cooking to achieve desired stew thickness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or omit it. Can be adapted for slow cooker by browning meat and sautéing aromatics first, then cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: hearty stew, beef stew, family recipe, slow-cooked stew, comfort food, Father's Day recipe, classic stew