Beef Stew(Tomato Gravy)
A hearty beef stew with tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and a rich tomato gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners and chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the stew beef in oil in the pan you will use to cook the stew.
- Drain the grease from the beef.
- Add the tomato sauce and 1 1/2 cans of water to the pan.
- Add the carrots, chopped onion, and cubed potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook at medium temperature until the vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with some minced garlic and herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you're out of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can work as substitutes. Also, feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or green beans for more variety. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using low-sodium tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a hearty option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. This dish also complements other comforting American recipes, making it a versatile choice for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stew(Tomato Gravy) contains roughly 513 calories, with 11g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 485mg per serving (21% 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?
Absolutely! While stew beef is traditional, you can substitute it with chuck roast or even pork, depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the cut of meat you choose to ensure it's tender.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the stew as it simmers. Another option is to mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken the broth.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before cooking?
Browning the beef is not strictly necessary, but it adds depth of flavor and color to the stew. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but the stew may lack some richness that browning imparts.
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).