Adirondack Stew
A hearty and flavorful beef stew featuring tender chuck, carrots, and potatoes simmered in a savory tomato-based broth with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this classic dish offers rich flavors and comforting warmth, making it ideal for cold weather or hearty meal occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb. boneless chuck, cut in 1 1/2 inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 (#2 1/2) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried celery flakes
- 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 4 whole cloves ⓘ
- 8 to 10 carrots, diced ⓘ
- 6 medium potatoes, diced ⓘ
- water ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the meat in a heavy kettle or Dutch oven.
- Cover with water, add the tomatoes, and bring to a boil.
- Lower the flame and add condiments separately at 5-minute intervals.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add diced carrots and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes and simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider searing the meat before adding it to the kettle. You can substitute the chuck with a tougher cut like brisket for a different texture. If you want to add more vegetables, consider including peas or green beans towards the end of cooking. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you prefer a spicier dish, by adding red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Adirondack Stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance its hearty flavors. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice creaminess. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a side of buttery corn. This dish warms up beautifully and is perfect for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly to avoid cold spots.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Adirondack Stew contains roughly 744 calories, with 17g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (226% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (179% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 543mg per serving (24% 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together perfectly.
What can I use instead of tomatoes in this recipe?
If you're looking for a substitute for tomatoes, you could use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture. Alternatively, try adding a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste for a more concentrated flavor, but be mindful of adjusting the liquid content.
Is there a way to thicken the stew?
Yes, if you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and add it towards the end of cooking. Alternatively, mashing a few of the potatoes in the stew can also help achieve the desired thickness.
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).