Five Hour Oven Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked stew packed with tender beef, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors. Perfect for cozy family dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish offers a savory, comforting taste with a balance of sweetness and umami. Its long cooking time develops deep, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the tomatoes or V-8 juice, Worcestershire sauce, tapioca, and sugar. Let stand while preparing the vegetables and meat.
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, combine cubed stew meat, diced celery, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, diced onions, and minced garlic.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the ingredients in the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook in a slow oven at 275°F (135°C) for approximately 5 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the stew meat beforehand in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and garlic. You can substitute the tapioca with cornstarch if needed, but be sure to add it towards the end of cooking to avoid over-thickening. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can also enhance the dish. Pair with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Thousand Island Salad Dressing for a tangy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Broccoli With Rice. This hearty dish can be enjoyed on its own or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Five Hour Oven Stew contains roughly 2136 calories, with 21g protein, 406g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), potassium (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2219mg per serving (96% 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 vegetables in this stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips work well. Just ensure that whatever you add has a similar cooking time to the potatoes and carrots.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This method will yield a similar delicious result with less monitoring.
Is this stew suitable for freezing?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion, and it can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).