Easy Oven Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew with tender meat, vegetables, and savory tomato-based broth, perfect for cozy family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef stew meat ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped large ⓘ
- 6 ribs celery, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 6 or 7 carrots, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. Minute tapioca
- 1 (30 oz.) can or 2 1/2 cups tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy Dutch oven or crock-pot, layer the beef stew meat, then chopped onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes.
- Lay the bay leaf on top.
- Mix salt, sugar, and tapioca together.
- Sprinkle the mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes with juice, and water.
- Cover tightly.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 4 to 5 hours, or overnight for 8 hours on low in a crock-pot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef stew meat before layering it, as this adds depth to the dish. You can substitute the tapioca with cornstarch if you prefer, but adjust the quantity to achieve the desired thickness. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like green beans or peas for added nutrition. This stew is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A side salad or steamed vegetables can complement the dish nicely. For a comforting dinner, pair it with a glass of red wine. This stew also pairs beautifully with the Delicious Nourishing Chili for a cozy gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Oven Beef Stew contains roughly 1424 calories, with 25g protein, 245g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (179% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (158% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1702mg per serving (74% 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 different cuts of beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck roast or round steak. These cuts become tender when cooked slowly, making them ideal for stews. Just ensure to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How do I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew turns out too watery, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew and simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Alternatively, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Is this recipe adaptable for a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can follow the same layering method in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Just be sure not to lift the lid frequently, as this can extend cooking time. This recipe also works great as a base for the Football Casserole.
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).