Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

FAQS

1. How to thicken beef stew

   Starches, like the flour, cornstarch and potatoes, thicken beef stew. Sometimes, beef cubes are coated in flour, then browned, leaving flour in the pan while sealing flour to the meat. When the meat is later simmered, that flour thickens the liquid as do potatoes, which release their starches as they cook. Cornstarch is often stirred with cold water into a slurry that's then simmered in the cooking liquid to thicken it.

2. How to cook beef stew in a slow cooker

   For additional ease, beef stew can be prepared in a slow cooker or crock pot. You can try a slow cooker variation of beef stew in this recipe or prepare any beef stew through the step when everything is simmering together, then transfer to a slow cooker and continue cooking until the meat is tender.

3. How to make beef stew on the stove

   It’s important to cook stew slowly over low heat. High heat will cause the meat to tighten and toughen, while low heat allows the meat to become fall-apart tender. Simply cover the pot, leaving a small gap for steam to escape, and keep the heat as low as it goes.

4. What to serve with beef stew

   The best accompaniments to beef stew can soak up the sauce. A crusty baguette works well, as does rice. A beef stew is hearty enough to be a one-pot meal, but you can make a salad with some crisp, fresh vegetables.