Found out that stew is not on the menu tonight, so I prepared the base, substituting extra thyme for rosemary (not liked by the entire household), opting for adding the potatoes and carrots tomorrow, as well as the thickener.
Put in oven at 350, 1 hour later added potato, 1 hour after that added carrots. Added about 2 cups of beef broth .
Came out too tomato tasting. I would probably cut the tomato puree next time. Didn't need thickening at all. Great depth of flavor over all.
Followed the recipe straight and it came out a little greasy. I used bacon grease for the initial browning. I think next time I will add a little roux. Stirred in a tablespoon of roux, much betta. needs beans.