Perfect Beef Stew Recipe: Tips and Tricks from CS Friends

[kcjodih]

I'm looking for a FAVORITE beef stew recipe of my friends from CS. I'm going to try Teresa's tomato macaroni this weekend and would really like to make a stew next week. I've tried two in the past and both were just 'okay'. I'd like it medium in consistency, not soupy, not like chili but want flavor! I've never had a GREAT homemade beef stew with nice dark gravy and great seasonings!

I know it's just stewing beef, carrots, potatoes, celery and spices but what spices? And how to not have it too runny? What seasonings? How long after cooking the meat do I add the veggies? I'm hoping to be able to assemble this at night and put in a crockpot, turn on low in the morning and have ready when we all get home. Or would the veggies be soggy then, or the meat not cooked?

HELP! I also need measurements because I'm a baker not a cook (can you tell? LOL) so measurements is the key! If it's a dash of this, dash of that I'm a mess (and so is the recipe!)

Anyone?

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I have never used an actual recipe to make beef stew. I know that isn't going to help you, because you want exact measurements....but I am a dash of this, handful of that type of cook!

I will tell you some things that make mine flavorful though!

Onion - even if you don't eat them - have them in the mix of veggies. ( I don't like cooked celery, but I still add them - for the same reason. I also add button mushrooms)
A little worchestershire sauce for flavor
a little red wine
Salt & Pepper
A bay leaf while it's cooking.

Get a roast with lots of flavor and cut it into pieces yourself. I've never been happy with "stew meat" when I buy it that way. dust the pieces with flour and some S&P and brown them in a little oil. Then, add add your veggies, beef stock or broth, an other seasonings to taste. If you want a thick gravy, you will have to thicken it towards the end of cooking with a flour or cornstarch mixture.

So - if someone has a recipe - maybe you can just use some of these tips to help you make it!


(I always say the opposite, Jodi - I'm a cook not a baker!)

 

[Bren706]

I have always used the McCormick's beef stew seasoning envelope to make my beef stew. It is about as close to homemade that I get. I think it has a great consistency too. I add the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and then frozen peas and corn.

McCormicks does have a crockpot version too, but I have not tried it yet.

 

[Teresa Lynn]

i posted this l;ast eyar for the other TeresaTeresa's beef stew
3 pounds stew meat (I usually just use a roast cut up)Coat meat with flour seasoned with fresh pepper and seasoning salt
saute in a little oil, with 2 lg onions chunked and fresh crushed garlic.
Cook until it browns dump in 2 tsp worcestershire and 1 tablespoon kitchen bouquet Add 1 can beef broth & 1 can tomato paste
Stir in 3 28 oz cans of tomato sauce heat until bubbly.
Pour over carrot pieces and cubed potatoes.
Cook in a crockpot or oven
you can add frozen peas or mushrooms if your family likes it.Teresa

 

[LeslieSGI]

I also add thyme to my beef stew. (Basically in addition to what Becky said.)​