Fayette County Beef Stew
Hearty beef stew with fresh vegetables and tender meat, slow-cooked to perfection. Rich flavors make it ideal for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef stew meat, cubed ⓘ
- 1 med. green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 8 carrots, sliced in 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 med. potatoes, small cubes ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. fresh green beans ⓘ
- 1 8oz. can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 lb. can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. tapioca
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the beef stew meat over medium heat until lightly browned.
- Add 1/2 cup water to the pan; stir to loosen any drippings.
- Place the browned meat in a large roasting pan.
- Mix in all remaining ingredients: chopped green pepper, chopped celery, chopped onion, sliced carrots, small cubes of potatoes, green beans, water chestnuts, whole tomatoes, sugar, tapioca, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the roasting pan.
- Bake in a 300°F oven for 3 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef stew meat overnight with herbs and spices. You can substitute the fresh green beans with frozen ones if needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, increase the tapioca. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the depth of flavor, making it reminiscent of other hearty beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving a simple green salad on the side. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, especially alongside other comforting American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Fayette County Beef Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fayette County Beef Stew contains roughly 1240 calories, with 21g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (329% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (115% of the Daily Value), and potassium (105% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% 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 substitute beef with chicken or pork, but cooking times may vary. Chicken will require less time to cook, while pork may need a similar duration. Adjust seasonings as necessary to complement the meat you choose.
What can I do if I don't have tapioca?
If you don't have tapioca, you can use cornstarch or flour as a thickening agent. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew towards the end of cooking to thicken it.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or even squash based on your preferences. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. This flexibility allows you to customize the stew to your liking.
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).