Beef Stew

A classic!
Minimal hands on time, but allow 2+ hours from start to finish.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. stew beef
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • 1 to 2 bay leaves
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
    1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Dash ground allspice or ground cloves
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 3 ribs celery, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

  1. Brown meat in hot oil.
  2. Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice.
  3. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Remove bay leaves and garlic clove.
  5. Add carrots and celery.
  6. Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer.
  7. To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid.
  8. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth.
  9. Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot.
  10. Stir and cook until bubbly.

Servings: 4