Easy Beer Stew

Prep: 20 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful beef stew slow-baked with beer, vegetables, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners and gathering friends around the table.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. stewing beef, cubed
  • 3 to 4 onions, quartered
  • 19 oz. can tomato soup
  • 1 can beer
  • 1 Tbsp. Kitchen Bouquet gravy browner
  • lots of freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 6 medium potatoes, in chunks
  • 6 to 8 carrots, in chunks
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Arrange beef cubes and onions in a large Dutch oven.
  3. Add freshly ground pepper, tomato soup, beer, and gravy browner.
  4. Mix gently and cover tightly.
  5. Bake for 2 hours.
  6. Remove from oven.
  7. Add potatoes, carrots, and garlic powder.
  8. Cover and return to oven for 1 hour or until vegetables are cooked.
  9. On the stovetop, add frozen peas and cook until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a stout beer instead of a regular lager. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami profile. For a heartier dish, serve with crusty bread for dipping, or try pairing with Baked Mustard Steak for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beer stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for color. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for balance. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or over egg noodles. This dish also complements a glass of the same beer used in the recipe, enhancing the overall experience.

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 necessary to maintain moisture. This stew also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Beer Stew contains roughly 886 calories, with 17g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (288% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), and potassium (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 27g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

886 kcal 44% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.9g 34% DV
Total Fat 25.3g 32% DV
Carbs 149.8g 54% DV
Fiber 27g 96% DV
Sugar 35.2g 70% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 234.3mg 10% DV
Potassium 4089.5mg 87% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2588.7mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 58.6mg 65% DV
Calcium 199.2mg 15% DV
Iron 5.5mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 substitute stewing beef with other cuts like chuck or brisket, which both work well in slow-cooked dishes. Pork or lamb could also be delicious alternatives if you’re looking to change things up.

What can I do if I don't have tomato soup?

If you don’t have tomato soup on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce instead. You might need to adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors, adding a bit of sugar if the mixture is too acidic.

How can I thicken the stew if it's too runny?

If your stew turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stirring it into the stew. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up.

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).

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