Christmas Stew
A hearty and flavorful Christmas stew featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and vegetables, perfect for warming up holiday gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the stew meat until done.
- Add all ingredients including potatoes, carrots, onions, Veg-All, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Simmer everything together for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, ideally with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat before adding the vegetables. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a heartier stew, add a can of diced tomatoes or some herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you're looking to reduce calories, lean cuts of meat or even a plant-based protein can work well for this Christmas stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Christmas stew hot, ideally accompanied by cornbread for a comforting meal. For a complete holiday spread, consider pairing it with a refreshing Waldorf-Style Salad to balance the flavors. The hearty nature of this stew also makes it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings, especially during the festive season.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Christmas stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Stew contains roughly 1706 calories, with 27g protein, 248g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (209% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2469mg per serving (107% 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 slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the stew meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
What can I substitute for the Veg-All?
If you don't have Veg-All, you can use a mix of your favorite frozen or fresh vegetables such as green beans, peas, or corn. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they are cooked through.
How can I thicken the stew?
To thicken the stew, you can create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stirring it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken it.
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).