Beef Stew(Homemade)
A hearty homemade beef stew featuring tender meat, carrots, potatoes, and peas, enriched with savory Worcestershire sauce and Kitchen Bouquet for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef stew meat and chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of shortening.
- Add sliced carrots, drained peas, and potato wedges; pour in water, then add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked.
- Add Kitchen Bouquet to the stew; in a small glass, dissolve cornstarch in water.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the stew and cook until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef stew meat in Worcestershire sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have shortening, you can use vegetable oil or butter as a substitute. Adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves can elevate the dish further. For a thicker stew, let it simmer longer without the lid, allowing excess moisture to evaporate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. This dish is a comforting centerpiece for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew(Homemade) contains roughly 1649 calories, with 15g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 101g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (97% of the Daily Value), potassium (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1108mg per serving (48% 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 type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef with other meats like pork or lamb, but cooking times may vary. Chicken is another option, though it will require less time to become tender. Just ensure that the meat is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this stew in a slow cooker, brown the meat and onions as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.
Can I add more vegetables to this stew?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like celery, green beans, or bell peppers to enhance the stew. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables should be added later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
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).