Dinner Party Stew
A hearty, flavorful stew with tender beef, rich tomato, and peanut butter accents, perfect for a comforting dinner that pairs well with rice and fresh side dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean beef chuck, cut into thin strips or cubes ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- dash pepper ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp fat ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups meat stock ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lb stewing meat, trimmed of fat and membrane ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 2 onions, peeled ⓘ
- 1/4 lb peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp dried red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, place 1-inch square cubes of meat and 1 1/2 cups hot water.
- Add the peeled onions and salt to the kettle.
- Stew over moderate heat, letting the meat brown as water evaporates, then add more water to cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Mix the peanut butter with hot broth until smooth to form a paste.
- Gradually add the peanut butter mixture to the meat, stirring to keep the sauce smooth.
- Add pepper, tomato juice, sliced onions, and chopped eggs to the stew.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until the meat is very tender.
- Serve the stew over rice with side dishes of sliced orange, banana sprinkled with lemon juice, chopped tomatoes, chopped green pepper, sliced cucumber, diced pineapple, and diced papaya.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat before adding it to the kettle. If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the flour amount. You can substitute the peanut butter with tahini for a different flavor profile. If you don't have fresh onions, use onion powder as a substitute. For a spicy kick, add more dried red pepper or use fresh chili peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew over fluffy rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with side dishes like sliced orange, banana sprinkled with lemon juice, and fresh vegetables such as chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dinner Party Stew contains roughly 2438 calories, with 49g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 182g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (99% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% 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?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like brisket or round, or even substitute with chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking durations to become tender.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
What can I serve with this stew?
This stew is incredibly versatile! It pairs well with rice, but you can also serve it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even noodles. For sides, consider fresh salads or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the stew.
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).