Aunt Dora'S Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting beef stew featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a rich tomato-based sauce. Slow-cooked to develop deep flavors, it's perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying meal with savory and slightly tangy notes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb. lean beef cubes ⓘ
- 4 to 5 potatoes, quartered ⓘ
- 4 medium onions, quartered ⓘ
- 6 to 7 small white onions ⓘ
- 1 bunch fresh carrots, cut up in pieces ⓘ
- 1 pkg. frozen peas, separated ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomato juice ⓘ
- 4 to 5 tsp. minute tapioca
- dash of lemon juice
- dash of Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 to 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 3 to 4 whole cloves ⓘ
- fresh ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a large, covered casserole dish in the order listed.
- Cover and bake in a slow oven at 225° to 250°F for about 6 to 7 hours, testing for doneness of meat and vegetables.
- Stir once after cooking 3 to 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef cubes in a skillet before adding them to the casserole. You can substitute fresh carrots with frozen ones or add other vegetables like green beans or bell peppers. If you're short on time, try using pre-cut vegetables. For a thicker stew, increase the minute tapioca to 5-6 teaspoons.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Dora's Beef Stew with crusty bread or over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad or steamed green vegetables pairs nicely to balance the hearty flavors. This stew is also great for meal prep and can be enjoyed as a filling lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Dora'S Beef Stew contains roughly 675 calories, with 17g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (158% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1719mg per serving (75% 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 substitute the lean beef with pork or chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as different meats have varying cooking requirements. For a vegetarian option, consider using hearty vegetables or plant-based proteins.
Is it necessary to use tomato sauce and tomato juice?
While both contribute to the stew’s flavor, you can use just one if preferred. If you're looking for a milder taste, opt for a low-sodium broth instead, but it may alter the overall flavor profile.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt it for a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. This method will also enhance the flavors and tenderness of the meat.
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).