Help a veggie do a good stew - what seasoning?

[DeeBeee]

I have been a veggie for many years but have no problem cooking meat - except that I never know what spices/seasoning to use. I really need to learn as DS is now old enough so I can make some for him and his dad both. I have a slow cooker and have made beef stews in there before but I think they always come out bland. What are your favourite spices / seasoning for beef stews?

I am a vegetarian too, but cook meat stews for dh.

I think beef is a bit bland. I prefer making a duck thigh or lamb stew.

I do use beef, usually the cheek, shin or shoulder. Sear it. Add mushrooms, pancetta, celery and a mellow red wine. Add some veal stock. And slow cook all day.

Beef is not bland if browned first.
Brown onions and mushrooms also for more depth of flavour. Shallots go lovely and sweet.
Bay leaves, oregano, thyme, dried mixed herbs, red wine.

I tend not to add spice unless I'm doing curry, Mexican or Moroccan.

Seasoning - salt and pepper to taste. Put some in and your Dh can add if not seasoned enough. Ds prob won't like or need too much pepper or salt.

For beef stew I always use this one: www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/beef-recipes/melt-in-your-mouth-shin-stew

It's got bay leaf, cinnamon stick, dried porcini, garlic and rosemary, and uses tomatoes and red wine as a stew base.

I often make a sort of gremolata to sprinkle on top as well when it's served - mixed lemon zest, finely chopped garlic and flat-leaf parsley.

I'm vagan but make stew for the family and use a plain old simple beef Oxo cube or two.. I don't know what it tastes like but they love it!

Don't forget Worcester Sauce! I use Lea & Perrins, tomato puree, bayleaves, plenty of salt and pepper, crushed garlic, fried onion, etc. Also the fat content is important. In a slow-cook beef dish the difference between mouth-watering/tasty and dry/bland is often the amount of intra-muscular fat or marbling present. So resist the temptation to buy very lean meat because it's tasteless.

Thank you all, these are all super useful tips. It would not have occurred to me to brown the meat first so will try that and all the other suggestions