Five Hour (No Peek) Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked beef stew with vegetables and rich mushroom flavor, perfect for sharing with family or guests on a cozy evening.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean beef stew meat, cubed ⓘ
- 5 large potatoes, chopped into chunks ⓘ
- 5 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 4 large stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper
- 2 (10 3/4 oz.) cans condensed golden mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. tapioca or cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, layer all ingredients except the tapioca, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the tapioca, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle over the layered ingredients.
- Cover and bake in a 250°F (121°C) oven for 5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef stew meat in a skillet before layering it in the Dutch oven. If you don't have golden mushroom soup, a combination of cream of mushroom soup and beef broth can work well. Adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand; turnips or parsnips can be great substitutes for potatoes or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it over rice or alongside mashed potatoes. This dish also complements other American recipes, making it a versatile choice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Five Hour (No Peek) Stew contains roughly 741 calories, with 12g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (96% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and potassium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables for fresh ones in this stew. Just be sure to add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. The cooking time may need slight adjustments, so keep an eye on the stew as it cooks.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, layer the ingredients as instructed, but set the cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
What can I serve with Five Hour Stew?
This hearty stew can be served with a variety of sides. Try it with crusty bread, a side of green beans, or a fresh garden salad. For a comforting twist, serve it over egg noodles or alongside a baked potato for a filling meal.
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).