Crock-Pot Or Seven Hour Oven Stew
A hearty slow-cooked or oven-baked stew featuring tender beef, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for comforting family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. stew meat, cut in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 c. potatoes, cut in half ⓘ
- 2 c. carrots, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. quick tapioca
- 1/2 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 can beef consomme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- dash of Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the crock-pot and cook on low all day, or transfer to a large roaster and bake at 250°F for 7 to 8 hours.
- Serve with make-ahead salad, crusty bread, and dessert.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the stew meat in the dry white wine and Worcestershire sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have quick tapioca, you can substitute with cornstarch or flour for thickening. Using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish further. This recipe is versatile; you can also add other vegetables such as peas or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce, and consider pairing it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with a make-ahead salad for a lovely balance of flavors, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Or Seven Hour Oven Stew contains roughly 801 calories, with 15g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (213% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (162% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 922mg per serving (40% 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 use pork or even chicken for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken may take less time, while tougher cuts of pork may benefit from a longer cooking period.
Is it possible to make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew can be made ahead and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it fully and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving. It's great for meal prep or when hosting guests, allowing you more time to enjoy the company.
What can I do if my stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out thicker than desired, simply add a bit of beef broth, water, or even a splash of wine to loosen it up. Stir well and heat until the desired consistency is achieved. This adjustment can help maintain the rich flavor while ensuring a satisfying texture.
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).