Basque Beef Stew(Guisado De Vaca)
A hearty Basque beef stew featuring tender meat, flavorful tomato and wine sauce, and hearty vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll beef chunks in flour and brown in oil in a heavy casserole or Dutch oven.
- Add chopped onions, garlic, green pepper, tomato sauce, and optional bay leaf and red wine; cook over slow heat for 3 to 4 hours until meat is tender.
- Add carrots and potatoes 45 minutes before the stew is done and cook until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef in red wine overnight before cooking. If you don't have red wine, a good substitute is beef broth combined with a splash of vinegar for acidity. You can also use other vegetables like parsnips or turnips if you prefer. Be sure to brown the meat well for a rich color and taste, as seen in recipes like German Brown Stew And Noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad can balance the richness of the stew. It pairs beautifully with Easy Beef Dinner recipes, offering a diverse spread for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basque Beef Stew(Guisado De Vaca) contains roughly 2060 calories, with 31g protein, 284g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (219% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (175% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 49g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef as instructed, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients, cooking on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully and ensures tender meat.
What can I use instead of beef stew meat?
You can substitute beef chuck roast or sirloin for a slightly different texture. For a lighter option, try using chunks of chicken or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for different proteins.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too thin?
If your stew is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and let it simmer for a few minutes. You can also mash some of the potatoes into the stew to naturally thicken it.
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).