Forget-It Beef Stew

Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty beef stew with tender meat, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners and slow-cooked to perfection.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. stew meat
  • 2 medium onions
  • 2 sticks celery
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 1/2 c. tomato or V-8 juice
  • salt and pepper
  • chopped carrots
  • 5 medium potatoes
  • 1/2 c. wine
  • 3 Tbsp. tapioca

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish.
  2. Add a slug of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Bake for 4 hours at 275°F (135°C).

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the casserole dish. If you're out of wine, substitute with additional tomato juice or broth. You can also swap the tapioca with cornstarch for thickening if you don't have tapioca on hand. Adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the stew's flavor even more.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A side of Chilled Vegetable Salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. For a comforting finish, consider pairing it with dessert options like Mud Puddle Cake or Cookie Pops for a delightful end to your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Forget-It Beef Stew contains roughly 937 calories, with 12g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), potassium (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1403mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).

937 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.4g 25% DV
Total Fat 31.8g 41% DV
Carbs 136.2g 50% DV
Fiber 12.5g 45% DV
Sugar 4.4g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1402.7mg 61% DV
Potassium 3095.2mg 66% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 70.1mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 65.6mg 73% DV
Calcium 83.1mg 6% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 types of meat for this stew?

Yes, you can substitute the stew meat with chuck roast or even pork if desired. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the cut of meat you choose, as some may require longer or shorter cooking times.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This will yield a tender, flavorful stew without the need for oven baking.

What can I add to enhance the flavor of the stew?

Consider incorporating garlic, bay leaves, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Additionally, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a bit of Worcestershire sauce can add depth to the stew's flavor profile.

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).

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