Forgotten Beef Stew("A Favorite From The '76 Cookbook.")
A hearty and comforting beef stew with tender meat, sweet carrots, and savory vegetables, slow-baked to develop rich flavors perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put meat in baking dish and spread with onions, then add the rest of the vegetables.
- Mix salt, sugar, and tapioca together.
- Spread the mixture over the ingredients in the pan.
- Pour tomato juice over all.
- Cover the pan with foil and crimp to seal.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 4 hours.
- Do not peek during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the stew beef overnight in your favorite seasoning blend before cooking. If you don't have tapioca, cornstarch can be a good substitute for thickening the stew. Feel free to add in other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition. This stew can also be adapted to include spices if you prefer a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Penny'S Vegetable Soup for a complete dinner experience. For a refreshing contrast, a simple green salad on the side can balance the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover 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 medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the stew thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Forgotten Beef Stew("A Favorite From The '76 Cookbook.") contains roughly 332 calories, with 8g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1409mg per serving (61% 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 stew beef with other cuts like chuck roast or even pork shoulder. Just ensure that the meat you choose is suitable for slow cooking to achieve the best tenderness and flavor.
What can I do if I don't have tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce mixed with a bit of water. Alternatively, vegetable or beef broth can be used for a different flavor profile, but it will be less tangy than the original recipe.
Is there a way to speed up the cooking time?
While the long, slow cooking process is key to developing deep flavors, you can cook this stew in a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time. Follow your pressure cooker’s guidelines, and you should achieve similar results in about an hour.
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).