Brother John'S Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew loaded with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and peas, perfect for warming up family dinners with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, cook onions, stirring often, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes; remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
- In a large bowl, toss beef with flour, salt, and pepper.
- In the same Dutch oven, over high heat, add 2 tablespoons hot oil, and cook beef in batches, until well browned on all sides, removing each batch with a slotted spoon as it browns.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while browning the beef. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh carrots with baby carrots or use frozen diced potatoes instead of fresh. For added depth, try incorporating herbs like thyme or bay leaves during the cooking process, similar to those found in traditional American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Brother John's Beef Stew with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of egg noodles for a heartier meal. A side salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stew. This dish also pairs beautifully with Grilled Steak With Wine Sauce for a complete beef-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brother John'S Beef Stew contains roughly 813 calories, with 15g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and potassium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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, you can use other cuts like chuck roast or brisket, but make sure they are suitable for slow cooking to ensure tenderness. Trim any excess fat and cut into chunks similar in size to maintain even cooking.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too thin?
If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stirring it into the stew and letting it simmer for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew for a natural thickening effect.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef and onions, transfer them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
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).