Wednesday, January 09, 2013

PD's Old-Time Beef Stew

I took Paula Dean's recipe for Old-Time Beef Stew and adapted it a bit to my family's preferences.  {For example, I included potatoes and peas in my version.} I was intrigued by the addition of ground cloves in her recipe.  I never would have thought to add something like that to a stew, but it works magically in the dish.  It is not overpowering, but does offer that extra something in terms of depth and flavor.  I, also, like that this comes together in just a couple of hours compared to my regular beef stew recipe that takes all day to cook.
 
  
This stew is very thick and hearty. So, it's very satisfying and perfect for the chillier months of the year.
 
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.

Yields 4 servings.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds beef stew meat
4 cups beef stock/broth {or water with 3 - 4 beef bouillon cubes}
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
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}

Directions:

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.


02/08/17: Updated main photo and made clarifications to post.

52 comments :

  1. Thank you so very much! And, thanks for stopping by Joyously Domestic! :)

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  2. Ok, I gotta ask Ang, is this better than the crockpot beef stew u posted earlier? I LOVED that recipe,that's gonna b hard to beat!

    Lis

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    1. Lisa, I really love them both. The earlier posted recipe from a few months ago is great because it is all prepped the night before and ya just turn on the slow cooker in the morning. This one is great because it is ready in just two hours or so, so it's fabulous when you want stew but don't have a lot of time. Also, this one has a couple different ingredients - like ground cloves - that add just a little something different. And, I like this one because the potatoes and carrots only cook for like, 30 minutes ... so they are tender, yet still have their shape and aren't water-logged like so many veggies are when cooked all day in a slow cooker. And, this one is a lot thicker ... there isn't a lot of liquid left when it's done cooking. It's pretty hearty and thick. I really like the other one, too, but enjoyed trying this one - we actually had this twice this past week! :) It's probably all gonna come down to a matter of personal taste and preference, but it's always worth a shot to try a new stew recipe! ;) You'll have to let me know if ya do!

      Luvs!
      Angela

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    2. I would love to try your over night beef stew but I can't find the recipe!

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    3. I would love to try your
      overnight beef stew, but
      I can't find the recipe!

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  3. Making this tonight! Can't wait - looks delish!
    Amy

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  4. Funny thing...I looked online for beef stew as I have some stew meat defrosted and I found Paula Deen's recipe with 800 some reviews and comments and I thought, that sounds good but I'll see what Pinterest comes up with too before I commit. Searched Pinterest and decided your photo looked like the thick, vegetable-ly, stew I wanted to make tonight and, ta-dah!! It's the same recipe...clearly meant to be dinner tonight!

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  5. I made this for dinner. It was amazing! My husband and picky daughter ate it all!

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  6. Just took it off the stove. Tasted it. It was just amazing. I'm serving it with homemade bread Bowls and/or homemade cheese and garlic bread. Thank you.

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  7. My husband hates peas, but I love them. Noticed it was optional, so I think I will replace those green spherical gems with green beans...Thanks for the recipe, will try tonight!

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  8. Just made this tonight, but used pork ribs instead of beef. Was delicious!

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  9. I have always used allspice in my beef stew, following the old red and white Betty Crocker cookbook. This recipe looks similar. I think I will try it and compare. Thanks.

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  10. I am making this stew now and I added all the ingredients to my dutch oven instead of adding the veggies in the end. Will that make a big difference? It smells wonderfull.

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    1. Just now got to your comment, Kathy. Hopefully, it turned out to your liking and the veggies were not overly mushy. :)

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  11. Making this for the second time now! It was SO good the first time! I can't wait to eat, it smells so good! Thank you!!

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    1. So happy that you have enjoyed it. Thanks for posting your feedback!

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  12. This has turned into a weekly dinner for us, smells and tastes amazing! I also like it because I prefer to cook things that are fairly easy to make as I don't have a ton of experience or time and it's made of real food! lol It fits all of my criteria - one pot meal, easy to follow recipe, and tastes SOOO good!

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    1. That's awesome, Christina. Thanks for sharing your feedback. :)

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  13. Try using rutabaga instead of potato you'll never miss them and the rutabaga adds a great flavor.

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  14. This stew looks amazing! I will have to try this recipe soon. 
    I have a hearty beef stew that I usually make that uses can tomatoes, but it might be time for an updated recipe. :)
    Thanks for sharing.

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    1. It's a great recipe to try. You'll have to report back with your verdict if you give it a whirl. :)

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  15. Great recipe! Delicious. Added to my favorites. Thank you.

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  16. Could I make this in a slow cooker? If so, how long would i cook it for?

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    1. I have not tried this in the slow cooker, so I could not offer specifics. I do have a slow cooker beef stew recipe here on the blog, however. http://www.joyouslydomestic.com/2012/11/slow-cooker-beef-stew-prepped-night.html?m=1

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  17. This is cooking on my stove now! It smells amazing

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  18. I am trying to find the crockpot recipe that Lisa Mullins referenced in her post in 2013, but I don’t see it on your website? I would love to try that recipe and this one! Thanks!

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    1. Hi, Erin. I have one that is prepped the night before, then cooked in the slow cooker. Hope that helps.

      http://www.joyouslydomestic.com/2012/11/slow-cooker-beef-stew-prepped-night.html?m=1

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    2. Hi, Erin. I have one that is prepped the night before, then cooked in the slow cooker. Hope that helps.

      http://www.joyouslydomestic.com/2012/11/slow-cooker-beef-stew-prepped-night.html?m=1

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  19. This is by far,the best stew recipe I have ever used Delicious. Served it with warm home made bread, while enjoying a glass of cider. Dessert you ask?
    Home made pumpkin cream puffs thank goodness I don’t cook like this every day.
    Diane

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    1. So happy you loved it, Diane. And, the rest of your menu sounds just as good. Yum! Thanks for the feedback.

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  20. Your style of cooking is right up my alley and speaks to my heart! Thank you for all the lovely recipes!

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  21. I have made the PD old fashioned beef stew for several years. I added the potatoes to it as I found it needed them:)! I adapted mine to an electric pressure cooker to do it in 45 minutes:)! Great job as PD's recipe is one of the best and the cloves help make itand natural gravy from the roux!!

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  22. SO YUMMY! I used my dutch oven, added the veggies right after searing the meat (no peas for us), lid on and in the oven for 2 hours. Stove top with a bit of cornflour to thicken for 5 minutes at the end. Veggies on the soft side but still holding it together, whole dish melts in your mouth. Everyone wanted seconds :)

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  23. Simmering on the stove. Probably my 3rd time Making it. So easy and delicious. Healthy too. Family loves it. Thank you

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  24. Best tasting beef stew we have tried so far. Reminds me of granny's stew.
    It did not thicken. The broth did not evaporate, didn't need to add any additional liquid. Put in the cornstarch, but nothing. It was a soup, which isn't good with noodles :)

    Anyone with any thoughts why mine did not thicken ?
    Thank you,
    Mike

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  25. Did the cornstarch combine or did it turn into little white lumps?

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  26. Yes. The "nice slurry". I am thinking the peas I added, they were frozen and added extra water. But, thank you for the suggestion.

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  27. Made this for dinner tonight...Super Yummy! Also, added a handful of thick egg noodles. I usually prefer my Instant Pot because I don't like to spend a lot of time cooking but your picture looked so good, so had to try it. Once I got the meat and onions simmering, I set a timer for 1 hr 15 min. and went about my business. When the timer went off, I set it for another 15 minutes while I prepped the vegies...added them after it went off, and then set it for the final 30 minutes. Added a dollop of sour cream in my mug to cool it down and enjoyed! Thanks for Sharing!

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  28. This was so delicious and I will definitely be making it again and again! Thanks for this recipe!

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  29. Made this last night with venison and it turned out awesome. Had my pastor and his wife over and they absolutely loved it. Thank you for the post!! 😁

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  30. This stew is perfect!!! Thank you for sharing. I wouldn't change a thing.

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  31. Have made this several times - we love it! I'm wondering if anyone has tried making it and freezing before adding the vegetables / potatoes. Then thaw, reheat and add vegs / potatoes so they don't get overcooked. Would make it easier for a weeknight meal. Thoughts?

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  32. Has anyone ever tried making the beef and then freezing? Adding potatoes and vegetables after thawing / reheating when ready to eat? We love this recipe by the way! Make it quite often but looking for a way to make it weeknight possible :)

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    1. I’ve made it several times WITH the vegetables and frozen it in ziplock bags. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it up for a quick dinner. Also, great for a camping dinner - premade, frozen - it helps keep your ice chest cold, & easily heated up when you’re ready.

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  33. Love this stew recipe! I’ve been using it for years and finally decided to comment. I follow the recipe as written except, on occasion, i deglaze the pan with red wine (if I have an open bottle). It’s my standard for what a thick, hearty, comfort stew should taste like!

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  34. This was very good! Thank you for the recipe! I will keep it in rotation now that the chilly weather is coming in :) i made recipe as is. no changes.

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  35. I made this beef stew tonight. It was delicious! The meat was extremely tender, and the flavor was outstanding!

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  36. Can this stew be frozen? I am in the process of making it right now and it looks like too much for myself and my husband. I am excited about it however, it smells wonderful. I’m wondering if it would be difficult for the potatoes in it to be frozen. Either way I’m happy with it, And I can share.

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    1. I don't think I've tried freezing it. Things could get slightly mushy upon reheating, but I don't think it'd be too bad.

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