How to flavour stew

[Stillmonday]

I know it's bad but I normally add 8 oxo cubes to a large beef stew which serves 6 people.
How would you season without t make more healthy? I'm worried about the salt content but it doesn't taste as nice without :/

Buy yourself Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food book, it’s really good for back to basics cookery skills and simple recipes.

When you fry the onion add a couple of teaspoons of paprika, not the hot one. Gives stew a nice flavour.

Onions
Leeks
Garlic
Mushrooms
Carrots
Swede
Parsnip
Pea's
Green beans
Potatoes
Diced beef
1x oxo cube
Tbsp tomato puree
Tbsp dried mixed herbs
2 x tbsp bisto gravy granules
Salt & pepper
I put it all in a casserole dish add enough water to cover, give it a good stir the put it in the oven on gas 5 for 4-5 hours. Topping up with boiling water as needed. 45 mins before serving I taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. 30 mins before serving I put in the dumplings(4oz SR flour, 2oz suet, salt & pepper and just enough water to make a dough). Serves 4 with 2 dumplings each.

The lentils may well have reduced the flavoursomeness of your stew.

Onions
Balsamic and soy reduction
Add meat and brown
Add potatoes
Add tomato passata
Handful of whole peppercorns
Thyme

In a dish, in the oven, for about 1.5 - 2 hours.

Put lentils add flavour, red ones do to some things but not really stew.

How long are you cooking it for? Long and slow, three hours, then letting it sit for a day should help. It will need some salt too, I’d just find a recipe and follow it, Jools favourite stew is worth a google.

I wouldn't have used spices. Paprika - goulash. Others - curry.

Herbs. Good stock. Well browned onions and beef. Flour the beef. Slow and low. Wine or stout. A good season.