Eva Cranford'S Chuck Wagon Stew
A hearty and flavorful beef stew with vegetables and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and suitable for cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 lb lean beef, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp chili pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, peeled and quartered or 1 can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) can beef broth ⓘ
- 6 small potatoes, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 6 small carrots, chopped ⓘ
- 6 small onions ⓘ
- 3 to 4 stalks celery, chopped in 2-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen peas ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour and sugar and coat the beef cubes evenly.
- Brown the coated beef in hot oil in a large pot until browned on all sides.
- Mix together salt, pepper, chili pepper, thyme, bay leaf, tomatoes, and beef broth, then pour over the browned beef.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the meat is nearly tender.
- Add potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and frozen peas to the stew and cook until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker stew, you can add a bit more flour when coating the beef or mix a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. If you prefer a different protein, chicken or turkey can work well as alternatives. Experiment with seasonal vegetables like green beans or bell peppers to enhance the dish. To elevate the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Eva Cranford's Chuck Wagon Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stew. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes, making it a versatile option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, add a little beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eva Cranford'S Chuck Wagon Stew contains roughly 1391 calories, with 44g protein, 211g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (539% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1988mg per serving (86% 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the beef as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while making the meat super tender.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you don't have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar to enhance the overall taste of the stew without compromising its essence.
Is it possible to freeze Chuck Wagon Stew?
Yes, you can freeze Chuck Wagon Stew! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
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).