Don'T Brown The Meat Stew
A hearty beef stew with tomato, red wine, and vegetables, slow-baked to tender perfection, ideal for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry red wine or beef broth ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons quick cooking tapioca ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 pounds lean beef stew meat ⓘ
- 8 small thin-skinned potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), halved ⓘ
- 3 ribs celery, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 small bay leaves ⓘ
- 16 ounces peeled baby carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix tomato juice, red wine or beef broth, tapioca, thyme, and salt in a 4-quart ovenproof pot or Dutch oven until blended.
- Stir in the beef stew meat, potatoes, celery, onion, bay leaves, and baby carrots.
- Cover and bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, stirring once, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water before baking. If you don't have dry red wine, beef broth is a great alternative. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a unique twist. Ensure the beef stew meat is cut uniformly for even cooking, similar to how you would prepare meat for a Gourmet Chili.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes for extra comfort, similar to serving Cheesy Tater Tot Hot Dish. For a fun twist, consider topping it with grated cheese right before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water for the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Don'T Brown The Meat Stew contains roughly 2518 calories, with 50g protein, 533g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (513% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (257% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2582mg per serving (112% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen baby carrots and other frozen vegetables for fresh ones. Just add them during the last hour of baking to prevent overcooking. This can save time and still yield a delicious stew.
How do I know when the meat is tender?
The meat should be fork-tender and easily pull apart when done. This usually takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours of baking. If you're unsure, check it after 3 hours and give it a stir to assess tenderness.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like green beans, peas, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of their cooking times; add them in the last hour of baking for best results.
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).