Busy Nurses Stew
A hearty, comforting beef stew with rich tomato and mushroom flavors, perfect for busy weeknights and suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. stew meat ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
- 3 to 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks ⓘ
- 3 to 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks ⓘ
- 2 to 3 celery stalks, washed and chopped
- 1 to 2 onions, peeled and cut into chunks ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tsp. bouillon crystals or 3 cubes beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 3 1/2-quart crock-pot with Pam spray or grease with shortening and preheat on high.
- Combine all ingredients in the crock-pot, adding or subtracting vegetables as desired.
- Turn the crock-pot to low and cook for 10 to 12 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the crock-pot. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or use a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option. If you're short on time, frozen mixed vegetables can replace fresh ones, making this a truly flexible recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Vera Jones' Easy Refrigerator Rolls for a comforting dinner. For a fresh touch, add a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to maintain the stew's consistency and heat until warmed through on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Nurses Stew contains roughly 742 calories, with 13g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), iron (94% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1269mg per serving (55% 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 in this stew?
Yes, you can substitute stew meat with other cuts like chuck roast or even lean cuts like sirloin. If you prefer poultry, chicken thighs work well too. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon and replace the stew meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or beans to add protein.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply stir in additional broth or water gradually until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
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).