Beef Stew(Electric Skillet)
A hearty beef stew cooked in an electric skillet, featuring tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and savory seasonings—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless beef, cut into 2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 3 to 4 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
- 6 to 8 small carrots, cut up ⓘ
- 4 to 5 medium potatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 small can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the electric skillet to 300°F.
- Combine flour, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Dredge the beef cubes in the flour mixture.
- Add shortening to the skillet and melt.
- Brown the beef in batches until all pieces are browned.
- Add water to barely cover the meat (about 2 to 2.5 cups) and bring to a boil at 300°F.
- Turn the temperature down to medium and simmer, covered, for 45 to 55 minutes, until the meat is almost tender.
- Check water levels periodically and add water if needed.
- Stir occasionally during simmering.
- Add the vegetables, diced celery, seasoned salt, basil, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Increase heat to 300°F until boiling, then reduce to medium and continue cooking.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes, adding water if needed to barely cover the vegetables.
- Thicken the liquid with a flour and water paste, stirring until smooth.
- Season to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to ensure a good sear on each piece. You can substitute the carrots with parsnips or add mushrooms for extra umami. If you're short on time, using frozen vegetables can speed up the process without compromising too much on taste. For a thicker stew, add a bit more flour when making the paste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious broth. A side of green salad or roasted vegetables complements the rich flavors beautifully. For a heartier meal, pair it with a glass of red wine. This stew also goes great with American recipes like cornbread or biscuits.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew(Electric Skillet) contains roughly 1458 calories, with 31g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 530mg per serving (23% 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 cut of beef for this stew?
Yes, while boneless beef is recommended, you can use cuts like chuck roast or brisket for more flavor and tenderness. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as tougher cuts may require longer simmering to become tender.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this beef stew gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also thicken the stew with cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water instead of a flour paste, ensuring a smooth texture without gluten.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the stew?
Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste for depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme added at the end of cooking can also brighten the dish. For a twist, try adding a bit of red wine during the simmering process.
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).