Chuck Wagon Stew
Chuck Wagon Stew is a hearty, flavorsome dish featuring tender beef, vegetables, and a savory broth, perfect for a comforting family meal. Its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it ideal for cold evenings or weekend gatherings, evoking the spirit of outdoor cooking and rustic charm.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. flour ⓘ
- 2 lb. lean stew meat ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. melted shortening ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can beef broth ⓘ
- 6 small potatoes ⓘ
- 6 carrots ⓘ
- 6 small onions ⓘ
- 3 to 4 stalks celery ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen green peas ⓘ
- 3/4 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sugar and flour. Coat beef with mixture and brown in hot shortening.
- Add seasonings, tomatoes, and broth.
- Cover and simmer over low heat about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until meat is almost tender, adding up to 3/4 cup water as necessary.
- Stir in vegetables except peas; cover and cook about 30 minutes.
- Add peas. Cover and cook about 15 minutes more.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the broth. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes work well as a substitute. To thicken the stew further, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. This Chuck Wagon Stew can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or buttered cornbread. For a variation, try serving it alongside Daddy'S Brunswick Stew for a flavorful dinner spread. This dish is perfect for a cozy family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it if necessary. It can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chuck Wagon Stew contains roughly 955 calories, with 26g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (182% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (173% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1650mg per serving (72% 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 type of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While lean stew meat is ideal, you can substitute with chuck roast, pork, or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats have varying tenderness and cooking requirements.
What vegetables can I add or substitute in this recipe?
Feel free to customize the vegetable mix according to your preferences. Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips work well, as do bell peppers or green beans. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, this stew actually tastes better the next day! You can prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving for a quick meal.
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).