Country Style Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew with tender meat and a medley of vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the stew meat into chunks.
- Brown the meat in butter or margarine in a heavy skillet, a few chunks at a time.
- Place the browned meat into a casserole dish.
- Add sliced onions, carrots, parsnips, celery, potatoes, and white peppercorns to the casserole.
- Pour in the canned beef consomme.
- Cover and simmer until the meat and vegetables are tender, about 1.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef stew meat in red wine or broth for a few hours before cooking. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones, but ensure to adjust cooking time accordingly. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the taste. For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Country Style Beef Stew is best served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad can add a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the stew. For a cozy touch, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine. This dish also pairs beautifully with recipes like Baked Venison Steak for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. If the stew thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of beef broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Style Beef Stew contains roughly 1546 calories, with 16g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (301% of the Daily Value), iron (133% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% 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 different types of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can substitute with other meats like lamb or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats have varying tenderness levels and cooking requirements.
What can I do if my stew is too salty?
If your stew turns out too salty, you can add a peeled potato during the cooking process; it absorbs excess salt. Alternatively, adding a splash of vinegar or a bit of sugar can help balance the flavors.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, this beef stew can be easily adapted for a slow cooker. After browning the meat, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method will make the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
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).