5 Hour No Peek Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked stew with tender meat and vegetables, featuring rich mushroom flavor, perfect for comforting family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer all ingredients in the crock-pot, starting with the stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, and bell pepper.
- Pour in the two cans of golden mushroom soup and one can of water over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the ingredients in the crock-pot.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the meat is tender and flavors are well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the crock-pot. You can substitute the golden mushroom soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different taste. If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the cornstarch or add a slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as Carolina Cole Slaw, to balance the richness of the stew. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain the desired consistency. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 5 Hour No Peek Stew contains roughly 1071 calories, with 13g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), potassium (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh. Just be sure to add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy. This can save prep time and still provide a nutritious boost.
Can I make this stew in a traditional pot instead of a crock-pot?
Absolutely! You can prepare this stew on the stovetop by following the same layering method and then bringing it to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender.
What can I do if the stew is too salty?
If your stew turns out too salty, try adding a peeled potato to absorb excess salt while it cooks for an additional 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can add a little more water or broth to dilute the saltiness, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).