Old Fashioned Beef Stew

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of rich olive oil
2 pounds of high-quality, cubed beef, perfect for stewing
2 generous tablespoons of all-purpose flour
A refreshing blend of 4 cups water and 2 cups beef broth
1/2 teaspoon of salt for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
4 cups of diced, earthy potatoes
2 cups of vibrant, chunky carrots
A dash of aromatic, dried rosemary (1 teaspoon)
1 cup of sweet, fresh corn kernels
1 cup of crisp green beans, snipped into 1-inch segments
1 cup of hearty, diced turnip (optional)
2 cups of juicy, fresh tomatoes, coarsely chopped (optional)

Preparation Steps

Begin by warming the olive oil in a sizeable pot. Toss in the beef, dusting it liberally with flour. Stir the meat within the pot, ensuring a thorough coating of flour, and then let it sizzle until a rich brown color develops.

Pour in the water and beef broth. Stir in the salt and black pepper for seasoning. Once the mixture starts to boil, lower the heat to a simmer. Let the flavors blend and deepen for an hour as you let the mixture simmer gently.

Following this, introduce the cubed potatoes, chunky carrots, or optional turnips into the pot. Sprinkle in the aromatic dried rosemary. Allow the stew to simmer for another hour or two, letting the vegetables soften and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Finally, add the fresh corn kernels and the crisp green beans. Continue to let the stew simmer, this time for an additional 30 minutes. The aim is to cook the vegetables to perfection while not losing their delightful crunch.

If using, the chopped fresh tomatoes can be stirred in the end, adding a juicy burst of flavor to the hearty stew. Enjoy this comforting, homestyle beef stew that’s a cherished recipe straight from grandma’s kitchen!