Country Oven Beef
A hearty, slow-cooked beef stew with vegetables, mushrooms, and red wine, offering rich flavors perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. chuck or lean beef, cut in cubes ⓘ
- 6 medium onions, quartered or halved ⓘ
- 6 carrots, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Minute tapioca ⓘ
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans mushroom slices ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3/4 cup dry red wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the beef, onions, carrots, tapioca, bread crumbs, mushrooms, salt, and pepper in a 6-quart Dutch oven in this order of layers: beef, onions, carrots, tapioca, bread crumbs, mushrooms, salt and pepper, tomatoes, basil and garlic, bay leaf, and wine.
- Cover and cook in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4 hours without stirring or disturbing.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef in red wine and garlic overnight. If you don't have tapioca, you can substitute it with cornstarch to thicken the dish. Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Country Oven Beef over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would complement this hearty dish nicely. For a cozy dessert, consider pairing with Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef mixture in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covered, to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Oven Beef contains roughly 1470 calories, with 66g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (141% of the Daily Value), protein (132% of the Daily Value), and iron (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Yes, while chuck is ideal for its tenderness during slow cooking, you can also use brisket or round steak. Just ensure the cut is well-marbled for the best results.
What can I use instead of dry red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with beef broth or a mixture of vinegar and water to maintain acidity without alcohol. This will still provide a depth of flavor.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).