This hearty Simple Beef Stew is made completely from scratch and is absolutely delicious, just like Mom used to make it.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 2 hourshours10 minutesminutes
Total Time 2 hourshours30 minutesminutes
Servings 5servings
Calories 483kcal
Author Tracy
Ingredients
Brown
1/3cup(40g) all-purpose flour
2teaspoonssaltdivided
1teaspoonpepperdivided
2poundbeef chuck roasttrimmed and cut into 1 to 2-inch cubes
2tablespoonsolive oil
Simmer
10cupsfiltered waterdivided
1/2large oniondiced
3-4medium carrotspeeled and sliced 1-inch thick*
3-4celery stalkssliced 1/2-inch thick
2poundsred potatoescubed
1/2teaspoondried basil
1/2teaspoondried oregano
1bay leaf
Instructions
Brown the Meat
In a large bowl, mix flour, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper together. Dredge stew meat in the flour, coating completely. Set meat and flour aside.
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or dutch oven. Add the meat (reserve the remaining flour in the bowl) and cook until just browned. If necessary, you can add a little more oil to the pot or a bit of water to keep the meat from burning.
While meat is browning, whisk 1 cup of filtered water into whatever flour was left in the bowl until no lumps remain. Once the meat is browned, pour in flour and water mixture and an additional 7 cups of water.
Bring to a boil and reduce temperature so your meat is cooking at a simmer.
Cook for a Really Long Time
Set your timer for 80 minutes and walk away. Check on the stew every 20 minutes or so, giving it a stir to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
Veggie Time
Add your onion, celery, and carrots. Stir, bring back to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes.
Add potatoes, basil, oregano, whole bay leaf, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Check salt and water level. If stew seems too thick, add up to 2 cups of water until it reaches your prefered consistency.
Simmer for about 15 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender. Taste and add more salt if necessary (you might need to add quite a lot). Remove bay leaf. Dish up and allow to cool in bowls for at least 5 minutes (or on the stove for at least 15) before serving.