Beef Stew(Microwave)
A hearty microwave beef stew packed with tender beef, vegetables, and savory gravy, perfect for a quick comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put beef cubes in a 3-quart microwave baking dish.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Combine gravy mix and 1 cup water; stir.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the meat.
- Cover and microwave on High for 5 minutes; stir.
- Cover and microwave on Bake (60) for 20 minutes.
- Add celery, carrots, and potatoes to the dish.
- Stir lightly so that vegetables are covered with gravy.
- Add more water if a thinner gravy is desired.
- Cover and cook on Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until meat and vegetables are tender.
- Remove from microwave and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef cubes in a skillet before adding them to the microwave dish. You can substitute the brown gravy mix with homemade gravy or a different flavor if desired. Adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the dish, while using frozen vegetables can save prep time.
Serving Suggestions
This beef stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, serve with a side salad or steamed green beans. It also makes a comforting lunch the next day, ensuring you enjoy the flavors fully with each bite.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the gravy thickens during storage, add a splash of water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew(Microwave) contains roughly 1352 calories, with 43g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (114% of the Daily Value), potassium (105% of the Daily Value), and protein (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1894mg 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 other types of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute stew beef with other meats like chicken or pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats have varying cooking requirements. For a quicker option, consider using pre-cooked meats.
What if I don't have a microwave-safe dish?
If you don't have a microwave-safe dish, you can prepare this stew in a traditional pot on the stove. Just adjust the cooking times and heat settings, ensuring the meat is cooked thoroughly and vegetables are tender.
Can I add more vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms. Just ensure that the total amount of vegetables does not exceed the dish's capacity, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything cooks evenly.
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).