Any Stew
A hearty beef stew featuring tender meat, carrots, potatoes, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. stew meat (1-inch cubes) ⓘ
- 4 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 6 sliced carrots ⓘ
- 3 peeled potatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. diced celery ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the stew meat thoroughly.
- Add all remaining ingredients to a 5-quart crock-pot.
- Cook on high for 6 to 7 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the crock-pot. You can substitute the stew meat with a leaner cut like sirloin or use plant-based protein for vegan recipes. Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with a crusty loaf of bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Simple Carrot Salad for a fresh contrast. For a cozy dinner, consider adding a glass of red wine to complement the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Any Stew contains roughly 2060 calories, with 38g protein, 391g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (279% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (270% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2210mg per serving (96% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this stew can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat it before serving, and it will taste even better the next day.
What can I use instead of tomatoes?
If you prefer a tomato-free option, you can substitute the canned tomatoes with beef broth or a vegetable broth to maintain moisture. You could also use a splash of red wine for added depth of flavor.
Is there a way to thicken the stew?
If you desire a thicker stew, consider mixing a small amount of cornstarch or flour with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking. This will help achieve a velvety texture.
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).