wow its cold out today. -7 below zero. its time for something warm and soothing. im new to paula deans style of cooking so this is my very first recipe. i chose her recipies because her cooking is something my family can identify with. this website is very easy to use and i can get all of the ingrediants at the market where i live which is a challenge.

By sarah honey on January 18, 2012

I made this for my husbad about 7 yrs ago hendtill raves about it to evertone it meant so much to me cause im not the cook of the family lol so thanks psula .ps,,, im making it for him again tonight

By Tammy manees on January 11, 2012

This is the best beef stew you will ever have. Makes me home sick for when I was at home. You've got to try it every one

By Brenda on January 10, 2012

So easy and simple. I couldnt get my husband to eat stews or soups until I made this. Now he begs me to make it! Its a good one!

By christabowden on January 06, 2012

I made this tonight and my meat-loving boyfriend LOVED IT. I didn't spice it up any and made it just as the recipe said. It was perfect and delicious! It filled the house with a great aroma for this time of year This dish is so filling, there were even leftovers! It's so simple and wonderful, I highly recommend it! Paula, you never fail me! :D

By Kaite Seckinger on December 29, 2011

Delish! I change the order of when the ingredients go in slightly to get the most flavor out of all the aromatics before adding water and meat. That way, I don't need to add any extra stock! I lightly dust the meat with corn starch before browning to keep it moist ( a tip from my Chinese parents). Took that out of the pot, set it aside and in the same pot, "sweated" the onions ALONG with the celery, carrots and garlic with salt together before adding the browned meat back in. Since I like my stew saucy, I add a total of 4 cups of water as I go b/c 2 cups ends up drying out at the end of the 1st hour and is nearly dry by the end of the 90 minutes! I like a little spice so add a few dashes of hot sauce straight from the bottle. Put in the potatoes and set it at a very low simmer the last 30-40 mins. If I have them, I usually throw in 1/4 cup of peas and 1/4 cup of button mushrooms sliced up into the pot the last 10 mins! Done!

By Beatlejn on December 19, 2011

I didn't have any Bay leaves, so I used basil. Amazing flavor!

By Shirley on December 03, 2011

OMG! This recipe was so easy and the tastiest stew I've ever had (including my grandmother's recipe). I omitted the water and used Swanson's beef broth instead. I added corn as an extra veggie and additional spices...garlic powder, paprika and lawry's seasoning salt. I also marinated the stew meat overnight in Worcestershire sauce. My family loved it. I will defintley be using this recipe in the future!

By tianna jackson on December 03, 2011

By Irene c on September 30, 2011

it came out fabulous, my mom said it tasted better than her's!! yummy

By Shyra Moran on September 04, 2011

Paula, I love this recipe. It's extremely easy to make and the smell alone makes your mouth water. I did take the liberty of adding some of my favorite vegetables. This is a meal that reminds me of my days growing up in North Carolina. It makes a great meal whether it's solo or served with a rice, of course then I would omit the potatoes. Real southern cooking!

By Janay on August 22, 2011

This was great! I made it my own by adding some beef broth and a bottle of guinness. I love garlic, so instead of putting a clove in and taking it out, I minced a bunch and left it in. I hate onions so i just used an onion soup mix and added some corn for extra veggies. Tasted amazing!

By Cassie on June 08, 2011

The recipe makes sense when you read it and consequently it yields a fine stew. I added additional veggies as wanted, which in my case it was little green and red peppers, little jalapeno, few mushrooms and chives; also, I added a dash of numerous spices. Ultimately to get it to be a stew, similar to the pictured meal, one must add a couple of cups of water. I let it simmer longer to get thicker and heartier. Don't be afraid to experiment!

By Emir on May 04, 2011

Best stew ever!! My children (9 and 2 years old) also love this and request it often! Very easy to make for a busy mom! Love, Love, Love it!!!

By Melinda on March 19, 2011

Old Time Beef Stew: Excellent you must try. Fast and Easy. Taste Great. I also made rice and put stew on top of rice and made a pot of collard greens. Good Southern Eating.

By Judy Basnett on March 11, 2011

Now if only Paula would come and grace my kitchen with her presence...

By Brandy R. Bedford on February 04, 2011

My Daughter made this Beef Stew for me and it's very very good. She added beef broth and a little water. I like it so much that I'm making it. tonight.

By Anonymous on January 20, 2011

I need a crock pot recipe for Beef Stew...pelease email if you have one. Thanks Maggie

By Maggie Scott on January 10, 2011

love this stew

By Millie Hanes on January 05, 2011

My husband and whole family loves this recipe. I mostly add a lil extra of the spices and 2 cups extra water. I make it at least a couple times a month.

By Anonymous on November 20, 2010