Easy Microwave Beef Stew
This Easy Microwave Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender beef cubes, flavorful spices, and a variety of vegetables, it offers a rich taste that warms the soul. Ideal for families or anyone craving a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. boneless beef cubes ⓘ
- 2 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 or 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- pinch of allspice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Kitchen Bouquet ⓘ
- 2 to 3 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 3 to 4 potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 box frozen peas
- 4 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the beef cubes, hot water, lemon juice, garlic, onion, bay leaves, salt, pepper, allspice, sugar, and Kitchen Bouquet in a covered microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave at High for 10 minutes, then Medium-high for 10 minutes, and finally Low for 30 minutes.
- Stir the mixture.
- Add more water if necessary and microwave until the beef is tender.
- Add the sliced carrots and potatoes.
- Microwave at High until the vegetables are tender.
- Gradually sprinkle the flour over the stew while stirring.
- Cook in the microwave until thickened, stirring once.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef cubes in a skillet before adding them to the microwave. If you don't have Kitchen Bouquet, soy sauce can be used as a substitute for color and depth. Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or corn for variety. Use beef broth instead of water for added taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad for freshness. For an even heartier experience, consider serving it alongside a slice of Country-Style Baked Ham. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the stew thickens too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Microwave Beef Stew contains roughly 450 calories, with 10g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1483mg per serving (64% 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 meats such as chicken or pork, but be aware that cooking times may vary. For chicken, reduce the cooking time to ensure it doesn't dry out. If using pork, similar cooking times to beef should work.
How can I thicken my stew if it's too watery?
If your stew is too watery after cooking, you can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the stew. Microwave for a few more minutes until thickened. Another option is to let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, or even mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the size and type of vegetables added.
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).