Carol'S Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew with tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and savory flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings, customizable with favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the stew beef in a large pot without adding fat or oil.
- Add water to cover the meat, then stir in the beef bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and sliced onion. Simmer until the meat is tender, which takes several hours.
- Add the peeled and cubed potatoes, chunked carrots, and any other vegetables you like. Cook until the vegetables are done.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the stew to thicken if desired.
- Serve hot, portioned into bowls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider browning the vegetables alongside the beef. If you want to add a twist, try including parsnips or turnips as additional veggies. Using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the taste. If you have leftover stew, it can be the perfect filling for a Superb And Simple Meat Loaf, which makes for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for added heartiness. For a comforting dessert, consider following up with a slice of warm pie.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Leftover beef stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carol'S Beef Stew contains roughly 937 calories, with 15g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1040mg per serving (45% 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?
Absolutely! While stew beef is traditional, you can also use chuck roast or even lamb for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the meat is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
To make this stew gluten-free, simply ensure that the Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free. You can also substitute cornstarch with a gluten-free thickening agent, like arrowroot powder, when thickening the stew.
What can I do if my stew is too salty?
If your stew turns out too salty, try adding more water or low-sodium broth to dilute the saltiness. You can also add a few raw potato chunks, which will absorb some of the salt while cooking. Just remember to remove the potatoes before serving.
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).