Cajun Beef Stew
A hearty Cajun-inspired beef stew with rich tomato, smoky spices, sweet carrots, and raisins, perfect for comforting gatherings and flavorful family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt or 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 3 lb. chuck roast, cut in 2-inch cubes
- 2 Tbsp. bacon fat or shortening ⓘ
- 1 pt. canned whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup molasses ⓘ
- 6 to 8 carrots, cut in diagonal 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, celery salt, garlic salt, black pepper, and ginger; sprinkle over beef cubes.
- Brown the coated beef in bacon fat or shortening in a Dutch oven.
- Add canned whole tomatoes, sliced onions, red wine vinegar, molasses, and 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 2 hours.
- Add carrots and raisins; continue to simmer for 30 minutes or until carrots are tender.
- Serve hot with cornbread, brown rice, and salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef cubes in the spice mixture overnight. If you don’t have bacon fat, olive oil can be a great substitute. For a slightly spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend. This stew can also benefit from the addition of bell peppers for extra color and flavor. Serve with cornbread for a delightful pairing.
Serving Suggestions
This Cajun Beef Stew pairs beautifully with cornbread and a side salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it over brown rice for a hearty option. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside New Twist Potato Salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the stew. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Freezing is an option as well; just be sure to cool it completely first.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cajun Beef Stew contains roughly 408 calories, with 18g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 835mg per serving (36% 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 substitute chuck roast with brisket or round steak, though these cuts may result in a slightly different texture. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly, as some cuts may require longer to become tender.
Is there a way to make this stew spicier?
Absolutely! You can add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the pot for extra heat. Alternatively, consider including a teaspoon of hot sauce when you add the tomatoes. Adjust the spiciness to your personal taste, starting with a small amount and increasing as desired.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, this stew can be made in a slow cooker. After browning the beef, transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method will allow the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
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).