Well I think you cant beat the recipe that I use I just get a nice bit of stewing steak cut into smallish cubes, a packet mix for beef casserole(now you might get some people turn there nose up about a packet casserole mix but it always turns out nice) mixed with half water and half wine or cider then add another quarter to half a pint of liquid more than it says on the package.
Now comes the fun part just literally throw in what you feel like EG oxo cube, soya sauce,garlic or onion,any vegetables you may like,carrots celery etc,(no lettuce of course) home made stock,herbs ,spices.
Just ad what you feel like and it always turns out super,smashing.
Slow cook for at least 2 hours then if you want to you could add some cream in at the last 15 minutes or if you put half a tin of cambells condensed oxtail soup in it near the end that always finishes it of.
But to me the best way is just add what you feel is right and you wont go wrong.
Oh and one last thing dont forget to put dumplings in for about 15 minutes.