Pauline Werner's Beef Stew Recipe

I tried this recipe because Pauline Werner said that it goes back four generations. It indeed, tasted like the stew that my mother used to make. I was never able to make my stew taste quite like hers, until now.

The first time I tried this stew, it turned out delicious. I refined the recipe a bit. Definitely coat the beef by shaking it with the flour, salt and pepper in a ziploc bag. Also, add more flour than the recipe calls for. This is the thickening agent that will result in a gravy-like broth. I added one can of beef broth to the water that I added to the pot after the beef was browned. Leave the cover off the pan while the stew cooks after the veggies are added. This thickens the broth and intensifies the flavor. The veggies still cook fine with the cover off. And season to taste with salt and pepper toward the end of the cook time. The result is a classic hearty beef stew with a rich, meaty flavor.

I have tried many different beef stew recipes recently and this is by far the best! It gives that authentic beef stew flavor. We LOVED it! I did add a pinch of ground thyme and @ 2 tsp. of worcestershire sauce for more authentic flavor. I also find it's easier to coat beef stew cubes with flour if you combine the beef cubes and flour in a sealed container and shake (rather than trying to "dredge" them in flour). This is definitely a keeper!

The first time I tried this stew, it turned out delicious. I refined the recipe a bit. Definitely coat the beef by shaking it with the flour, salt and pepper in a ziploc bag. Also, add more flour than the recipe calls for. This is the thickening agent that will result in a gravy-like broth. I added one can of beef broth to the water that I added to the pot after the beef was browned. Leave the cover off the pan while the stew cooks after the veggies are added. This thickens the broth and intensifies the flavor. The veggies still cook fine with the cover off. And season to taste with salt and pepper toward the end of the cook time. The result is a classic hearty beef stew with a rich, meaty flavor.

This is pretty close to my mom's recipe- very easy. Omitted the tomato sauce and subbed beef bouillon for the water. Thickened with a little flour in water at the end. If you're not familiar with thickening, remember to mix the flour or cornstarch with cold water first and add it slowly to the pot. This will avoid lumps. The stew turned out really good- even better the next day!

Made it last night — gone in minutes.

Looking at the recipe's shortage of salt and previous reviewers' comments, I added 3 teaspoons of instant beef bouillon and the soup's flavor turned out delicious. I liked the addition of the tomato sauce. However, this dish (I think) isn't thick enough to be considered a stew. Maybe next time I'll add some cornstarch dissolved in equal parts water towards the end. It was pretty good, but there's nothing special about it. My hubby commented about adding some spice (maybe chili powder?) for a kick. Otherwise, this is the perfect soup for bread dunking on a cold winter night.

This was easy and really good. I added beef broth instead of water and cooked on low for about 2 hours. I also added in the vegetables at the same time as the water and just let it cook slow. The meat was really tender. I called it "Pirate Stew" and served it with french bread - my kids gladly ate it up.

I substituted canned mixed vegetables for the vegetables at the end since I had so many cans. I regret that because it was so bland. But we added cumin, soul food seasoning and some sweet chipotle. We also added flour to thicken. It was great! I would suggest using beef stock at the beginning too to add flavor.

Absolutely delicious! The only change I made was to use beef broth instead of water and a bit more of different seasonings for added flavor. I also used a roux to thicken the sauce, since it was a bit too watery for my taste. My entire family, including my picky 2 1/2 year old cleaned the pot!

Just the recipe I needed to make a hearty stew for a cold night. This stew is the kind I grew up loving. Lots of flavor and a nice thick broth. Perfect with cornbread or any good bread. This recipe doesn't need any changes but I like to use a can of beef broth with the water, some thyme, and a can of chopped tomatoes.

So quick and incredibly delicious.

A tasty, basic stew recipe. I loved the addition of tomato sauce - it gave the stew another layer of flavor that a lot of stews don't have. I did think this could use a few more seasonings, but for how simple it was, this made a nice dinner, and a few extra lunches for the week. The cook time was spot on. I recommend adding enough water to be well above the beef (not just "to cover the beef"), otherwise there won't be enough liquid to simmer the veggies later on.

I made this for the family and everyone loved it. Served with some white rice and buttered bread. People had seconds, thirds...it didn't last long. Simple and delicious.

Of my mom's dinners ,her beef stew was favorite meal. She gave the me recipe twice and both times I lost it. She passed before I could ask again. I lamented over never having that stew again, until . I made this stew recipe tonight and it was my mom's beef stew all over again! I'm thrilled with it & I'm so happy that you shared it.

Too bland!

I added 1 tsp. Celery Salt and a few extra potatoes! I used a top round roast that my mom had for dinner a few days ago and cut up the left overs and used that for the meat! Calling it steak soup for my 7 year olds ears lol!! DELICIOUS!!

I added the beef broth that was recommended and we love it. This has become a quick favorite!!!

This recipe is easy and I would say it's the best stew I have ever made.

Made it this week. Loved it! Will definitely be making this again.