Beef Stew Western Style
A hearty Western-style beef stew with tender beef, mixed vegetables, and savory flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy pan, brown beef cubes in shortening.
- Pour off excess fat.
- Add onion dry soup mix and water to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Gradually blend 1/3 cup additional water into flour until smooth.
- Slowly stir the flour mixture into the stew.
- Cook and stir until the stew thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the beef with garlic or onions. If you don't have shortening, any cooking oil will work. You can substitute fresh vegetables for the frozen mixed vegetables; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a thicker stew, increase the flour or use cornstarch as an alternative thickening agent.
Serving Suggestions
This beef stew is hearty and pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a side of rice or noodles, providing a great base to soak up the rich broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture and heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew Western Style contains roughly 428 calories, with 8g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 6g 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 use a slow cooker for this beef stew?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté any aromatics, then transfer to the slow cooker with the soup mix, water, and vegetables. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, and add the thickening mixture in the last 30 minutes.
What can I substitute for the onion dry soup mix?
If you don't have onion dry soup mix, you can create a substitute using a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and a little salt. Mix 1 tablespoon of each for a similar flavor profile, or use homemade onion soup mix if available.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this beef stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.
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).