Recipe for Hearty Beef Stew on a Stove Top With Corn Starch

Beef stew is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.

Hearty beef stew is a traditional comfort food, especially appreciated on chilly fall and winter days. The best beef for stew is from tougher cuts such as the chuck, because the meat is flavorful and becomes tender as it simmers. As a result, beef stew is an inexpensive, filling meal. Corn starch is an effective thickener, because it has a silky consistency and a neutral flavor that doesn't detract from the taste of the stew. Does this Spark an idea?

Print this article

2 tbsp. canola oil
Dutch oven with cover
2 small onions, sliced
2 lbs. beef stew
2 cups water or beef broth
2 to 3 tbsp. apple cider or wine
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
1 tsp. oregano
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 or 2 whole garlic cloves
Slotted spoon
2 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
4 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
2 tbsp. cold water
Cup or small bowl
2 tbsp. corn starch
Fork or whisk

Instructions

- 1
  
  Heat the canola oil in a Dutch oven, on a burner set to medium-high. Add the sliced onion, and then cook until the onion is golden.
- 2
  
  Turn the burner to high, and heat the oil until it's very hot but not quite smoking. Stew meat absorbs cooler oil, and in turn, the meat becomes soggy.
- 3
  
  Place the stew meat in the hot oil. Cook the meat, turning often, until it is brown on all sides.
- 4
  
  Add water, beef broth or a combination of both. You can also add a small amount of apple cider or wine for extra flavor.
- 5
  
  Stir in salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, Worcestershire sauce and garlic cloves.
- 6
  
  Bring the mixture to a boil, and then cover the pan. Turn the heat to low, and allow the mixture to simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- 7
  
  Remove the garlic cloves, using a slotted spoon. Add potatoes, carrots and celery. Simmer the vegetables, with the cover on, for 30 to 40 minutes.
- 8
  
  Measure 2 tablespoons of cold water in a cup or small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix the cornstarch into the water, using a fork or small whisk to remove all lumps and create a smooth paste.
- 9
  
  Pour the cornstarch thickener slowly into the beef stew. Stir the stew as you add the thickener.
- 10
  
  Turn the heat up, and bring the stew to a boil. Cooking allows the cornstarch to thicken the mixture and removes any starchy flavor. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, or until the stew is thick and bubbly.