Unless that cropped pic makes that bowl look much smaller that little serving didn't even come close to whetting your appetite.
Use the same pot for browning meat as you will put the stew in.
I agree, soups, stews, and even spaghetti sauce is always better to me after a good days set to "blend".small bowl,,,,wasn't that hungry but needed to do the taste test,,,it was cooked the day before I needed it (stews, soups, and chilis doe best with a reheat in my opinion)