Beef Stew With Its Own Gravy
A hearty beef stew simmered to tender perfection with vegetables and rich gravy, ideal for comforting family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the stew meat in the bottom of a large casserole dish.
- Cut carrots, celery, mushrooms, potatoes, and onions into bite-sized pieces and layer on top of the meat.
- Sprinkle the salt, sugar, and tapioca evenly over the mixture.
- Mix water and tomato juice and pour the liquid over the stew ingredients.
- Cover the casserole dish and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5 hours.
- Serve hot with hard rolls and salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a skillet before layering it in the casserole. If you're out of tomato juice, crushed tomatoes or even a splash of red wine can work as a substitute. Adjust the vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand, such as adding bell peppers or peas for more color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with warm hard rolls for dipping and a fresh salad on the side for balance. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, enhancing the meal's rich flavors. For a different twist, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or over noodles, making it a comforting choice for a family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew With Its Own Gravy contains roughly 1532 calories, with 27g protein, 239g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (286% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1889mg per serving (82% 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 different types of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal, you can use chuck roast, brisket, or even pork for a different flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the meat's tenderness to ensure a juicy result.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by layering the ingredients as directed and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The slow cooker will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How can I make this stew thicker?
To thicken your stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mashing some of the potatoes or adding a bit of flour mixed with water can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
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).