Easy Baked Stew
A hearty, comforting baked stew featuring tender meat and vegetables, enriched with savory mushroom and celery soups, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place stew meat in Dutch oven.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion soup mix.
- Add potatoes, carrots, celery stalks, and mushrooms to the Dutch oven.
- In a saucepan, blend cream of celery soup with water and white wine, cooking over medium heat.
- Before the mixture begins to boil, remove from heat and pour over the meat and vegetables in the Dutch oven.
- Cover and bake at 250° to 300°F for 4 to 5 hours, until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the paprika. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can replace some water with beef broth. For a vegetarian twist, substitute stew meat with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms and eggplant, making it a great option for those exploring vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty baked stew with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side salad with a light vinaigrette, such as Apricot Dressing, complements the richness of the stew nicely. This dish also pairs beautifully with Slovak Pancakes for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, transfer to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the stew. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Baked Stew contains roughly 17 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% 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 in this baked stew?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables to save time. Just add them at the same time as the fresh ingredients, but keep in mind that they may release extra moisture, so adjust the liquid accordingly.
What kind of stew meat works best for this recipe?
Chuck roast or round steak are great options for stew meat due to their flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. You can also ask your butcher for specific cuts that are ideal for stewing.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference to ensure it enhances rather than overpowers the dish.
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).