Might I suggest a splash of red wine...and a couple of bay leaves.

I would add a little water instead. Then later if it is too thin, you can mix about a tablespoon of cornstarch (or flour) with some water and add that. Cook for a while and it will give a good gravy. That's what I do when I do stew and no one ever complains.

It'll be fine with the chicken stock. Just add your beef and let it stew for a bit...the stock will pick up the beef flavor. :)

Gosh, you all are starving me to death!! What time is dinner?? :D :D

Dinner is now and it came out great. I added diced tomatos and canned tomato paste and its a nice thick hearty stew! yippeeeee!!! trick of the night: get the man to eat it.

I agree.

in a pinch, dry onion soup works for me. like lipton, except house brand.