Favorite Beef Stew
A hearty and flavorful beef stew featuring tender chunks of beef, savory vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings, this dish combines classic seasonings with vegetables for a satisfying and warming meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef chunks ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf
- salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- dash of allspice ⓘ
- dash of cloves ⓘ
- 4 carrots ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the beef chunks in hot shortening in a Dutch oven.
- Add water, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, sliced onion, bay leaf, salt, sugar, seasoned pepper, paprika, allspice, and cloves. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered tightly, for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider browning the beef chunks until they're deeply caramelized, which enhances the stew's richness. You can substitute shortening with olive oil or butter if preferred. If you’re short on time, using pre-cut frozen vegetables can save you prep work. Adding a splash of red wine can also elevate the dish, similar to how it's done in some American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the stew nicely. For a comforting twist, consider pairing it with Corinne'S Moist Meat Loaf, which makes for a great leftover option as well.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the beef stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Beef Stew contains roughly 1767 calories, with 26g protein, 262g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (197% of the Daily Value), iron (176% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2003mg per serving (87% 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 slow cooker for this beef stew?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef, transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
What type of beef is best for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal for beef stew as it becomes tender during the slow cooking process. Look for well-marbled cuts, as the fat adds flavor and richness to the dish.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, peas, or green beans. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as denser vegetables might need longer to cook properly.
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).