Back To Bed Stew
A hearty, comforting stew combining tender meat with vegetables in a savory mushroom and tomato sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 5-quart Pyrex casserole with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut beef or venison into bite-size chunks and place in the casserole.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes on top of the meat.
- Drain and reserve the juice from the peas and green beans.
- Add the vegetables to the casserole.
- Mix the reserved juices with the cream of mushroom soup and tomato soup.
- Pour the soup mixture over the layered ingredients in the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 5 hours.
- About 2 hours into baking, mix the stew to combine ingredients thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the casserole. If you're short on time, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with hearty mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of the reserved juices. Seasoning can be adjusted based on personal taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or the refreshing Potato Salad Cauliflower Style. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl until heated through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Back To Bed Stew contains roughly 772 calories, with 16g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (178% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1551mg per serving (67% 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 Back To Bed Stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the meat first, then layer all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use homemade mushroom sauce or a mixture of sour cream and mushrooms. Alternatively, blending soaked cashews with vegetable broth can create a creamy base that works well in this stew.
Is it necessary to mix the stew halfway through baking?
Mixing the stew about 2 hours into baking is recommended to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. It helps to integrate the flavors and prevents the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the casserole.
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).