5-Hour Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked beef stew packed with tender meat, vegetables, and rich flavors from tomato and celery soups. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this dish develops deep flavors over hours of slow cooking, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except bay leaves into a roaster pan or slow cooker.
- Cook at 275°F for 5 hours in the oven or 7 to 8 hours in a slow cooker.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef cubes before adding them to the pot. You can substitute fresh peas for canned ones if you prefer, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. If you want a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or buttery rolls, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, you might also enjoy it with a side of Baked Beans(Impressive And Easy) or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in a bowl, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 5-Hour Stew contains roughly 1261 calories, with 25g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (303% of the Daily Value), iron (192% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (167% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1564mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast or brisket. If you're looking for a lighter option, chicken thighs or pork shoulder could work well too, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato paste diluted with a bit of water. This will still provide the tomato flavor needed for the stew.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like green beans, corn, or even sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the types of vegetables you choose.
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).