Old-Time Beef Stew Recipe Courtesy Paula Deen

• stewing beef↗2 lbs
• vegetable oil↗2 tablespoons
• water↗2 cups
• Worcestershire sauce↗1 tablespoon
• garlic clove↗1

  peeled

• bay leaf↗1 -2
• medium onion↗1

  sliced

• salt↗1 teaspoon
• sugar↗1 teaspoon
• pepper↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• paprika↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• ground allspice or 1 dash ground cloves1 dash
• large carrots↗3

  sliced

• celery ribs↗3

  chopped

• cornstarch↗2 tablespoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Brown meat in hot oil.

2. 2

   Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice.

3. 3

   Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.

4. 4

   Remove bay leaves and garlic clove.

5. 5

   Add carrots and celery.

6. 6

   Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer.

7. 7

   To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth.

8. 8

   Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot.

9. 9

   Stir and cook until bubbly.