Cecil'S Stew
Cecil's Stew is a hearty, flavorful beef stew featuring tender meat, vegetables, and savory onion soup, perfect for comforting family meals and slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the stew meat in oleo over medium heat.
- Cover the browned meat with water and cook for 45 minutes.
- Add chopped celery, green pepper, carrots, and chopped onion to the pot.
- Cover with water and cook for 1 hour.
- Add potatoes, cover, and cook for another hour.
- Test for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
- Add onion soup mix and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add monosodium glutamate (m.s.g.) and more water if necessary.
- Never cook fast; maintain a slow simmer.
- Total cooking time should be about 4 hours on low heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while browning the meat. If you're out of onion soup mix, a combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and beef broth can be a great substitute. If you like a thicker stew, you can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cecil's Stew with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of fluffy rice. A side of Green Bean Casserole With Onions complements the meal beautifully. For a heartier option, pair with Parmesan-Paprika Potatoes(Microwave Quick!). This stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as comforting leftovers.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cecil'S Stew contains roughly 1185 calories, with 11g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), potassium (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different types of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use chicken or pork if preferred, but the cooking time may vary. For chicken, reduce the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes, and for pork, aim for a similar time as beef to ensure tenderness.
What vegetables can I add or substitute?
Feel free to add vegetables like peas, green beans, or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Just keep in mind that root vegetables may need longer cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when adding your vegetables. Alternatively, a splash of hot sauce just before serving can also enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
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).