The Best Old-Time Beef Stew Recipe #beef #stew #beefrecipe #dinner #dinnerrecipe - Guide Recipe
The Best Old-Time Beef Stew Recipe | This stew is very thick and hearty. So , it's very satisfying and perfect for the chillier months of the year. #beef #stew #beefrecipe #dinner #dinnerrecipe
NOTE: I recommend really taking the time to sear the meat thoroughly. Doing so is the foundation for the rest of the recipe ... a good sear on the beef is needed for that rich depth of flavor that helps make this stew outstanding.
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 cups beef stock/broth {or water with 3 - 4 beef bouillon cubes}
1 onion , peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove , peeled and finely chopped
2 pounds beef stew meat
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
Small pinch/dash ground cloves
3 carrots , peeled and sliced
2 ribs celery , chopped
3 - 4 potatoes , peeled and cut into small chunks
Handful of frozen peas
1 tablespoon cornstarch {if needed/desired for thickening}
Instructions:
- First , Sear meat in hot oil in Dutch oven or soup pot. (Do this in batches if needed to not overcrowd the pan.) Add in beef stock/broth (you can add a little more later , if needed) , Worcestershire sauce , bay leaf , garlic , onion , salt , sugar , pepper , paprika and ground cloves.
- Cover and simmer on low for 1 1/2 hours. Check occasionally to ensure liquid level remains almost to the top of beef. (Add additional stock or some hot water as needed.)
- Remove bay leaf. Check and adjust seasoning. Add in carrots , celery , potatoes and peas. (Again , if there doesn't seem to be enough liquid , stir in additional water or stock/broth to maintain liquid level just below the level of the beef/vegetables.)
- Cover and cook an additional 30 minutes or just until veggies are tender , but not mushy.
- To thicken gravy (if desired) , mix cornstarch with a bit of cold water until fully dissolved. (It should resemble a loose paste.) With stew liquid at a simmer , stir in the cornstarch slurry. Reduce heat so that stew is slightly bubbling. Cook just a few minutes until broth thickens.
- Serve & enjoy!