6-Hour Stew
A hearty, savory stew featuring tender stew meat, vegetables, and tomatoes, slow-cooked to develop rich flavors. Perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings, this dish offers a blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors with a hint of earthiness from mushrooms and string beans.
Ingredients
- 1 (No. 2 1/2) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tapioca ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- a pinch of pepper ⓘ
- 2 1/2 pounds stew meat
- 4 carrots, cut into pieces
- 3 potatoes, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 can string beans and juice
- 5 stalks celery, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms and juice ⓘ
- cabbage (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large baking dish or pot.
- Cover and bake at 275°F for 6 hours.
- Do not stir during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the pot. You can substitute the stew meat with a leaner cut or use a plant-based alternative for a vegan option. If you prefer a thicker stew, you might add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious juices. A side salad, such as 24 Hour Cabbage Slaw, complements the richness of the stew. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light dessert like Sugar-Free Pineapple Pudding to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 6-Hour Stew contains roughly 676 calories, with 11g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1112mg per serving (48% 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 fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used in place of canned, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust cooking times for optimal tenderness. Fresh carrots, potatoes, and celery will add vibrant flavors and textures, but make sure to chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, covering the dish helps to retain moisture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully during the long cooking time. If you bake uncovered, you may end up with a drier stew. For best results, use a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil to create a good seal.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows for a hands-off approach while still yielding tender meat and flavorful broth.
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).