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Simple beef stew in a white bowl.
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Simple Beef Stew

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 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 5 servings
Calories 483kcal
Author Tracy

Ingredients

Brown

  • 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon pepper divided
  • 2 pound beef chuck roast trimmed and cut into 1 to 2-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Simmer

  • 10 cups filtered water divided
  • 1/2 large onion diced
  • 3-4 medium carrots peeled and sliced 1-inch thick*
  • 3-4 celery stalks sliced 1/2-inch thick
  • 2 pounds red potatoes cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay 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.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcal