Comforting Brown Beef Stew Recipe for Cold Rural Evenings
Cooking in the country has a way of bringing people together. For Compeer Home loan officer Jessica Held, her family’s Brown Stew is one of those dishes that naturally brings everyone to the table. First made by her Grandma Grever and later prepared by her mom, it has become a recipe shaped by three generations.
At Compeer Home, we love celebrating moments like these. Rural living is not only about where you live. It is also about the traditions you keep and the memories you make in the heart of your home.
Jessica enjoys adding her own spin to family recipes. With this stew, you can make it the way her grandmother did, the way Jessica does today or create your own version that suits your family’s taste.
Hearty, comforting and perfect for cooler days, Jessica’s Brown Stew is a timeless recipe meant to be shared.
Ready to start cooking? Here’s what you’ll need.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into cubes
- 4 cups boiling water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 5 potatoes, cubed
- ½ cup flour
Jessica’s Additions
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- Better Than Bouillon beef for added flavor
- Sour cream
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- In a large heated pot coated with oil, thoroughly brown the meat on all sides.
- Add water, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, seasonings and Better Than Bouillon if desired.
- Simmer for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally to keep from sticking.
Add the Vegetables
- Add carrots and potatoes, adding more hot water if needed to cover.
- Cook for 20–30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- If desired, add mushrooms partway through cooking as they soften faster.
Thicken the Stew
- Mix the flour with some water until smooth (Jessica likes to add a touch of sour cream).
- Make sure the stew is boiling before adding the flour mixture.
- Stir until thickened and well combined.
Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy warm.
Cook and Share
For Jessica, this recipe is more than comfort food. It’s a reminder of family, tradition and the joy that comes from cooking together. We hope it brings the same warmth to your home and sparks new memories around your own kitchen table.
At Compeer Home, we don’t just help you find your place in the country. We celebrate the life you build there. Explore more recipes and stories of country living on our rural lifestyle page.
If you’re dreaming of a rural home where memories like this can simmer, we’re here to help you find the financing that fits your plans.
