Four Hour Beef Stew
A hearty slow-cooked beef stew with tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and celery, flavored with salt, sugar, and pepper, perfect for a comforting Sunday meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim fat away from the meat and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop all vegetables to desired size.
- Mix meat, vegetables, salt, sugar, tapioca; add pepper to taste.
- Pour V-8 juice over ingredients, covering them completely.
- Place lid on casserole dish.
- Bake at 275°F for 4 hours. Do not uncover while baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat in a skillet before adding it to the casserole. You can substitute the top round steak with chuck roast for a more tender result. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add more tapioca. Feel free to use vegetable broth instead of V-8 juice for a lighter version, or opt for homemade broth to enhance the taste.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty beef stew is excellent on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad dressed with Poppy Seed Dressing(For Cabbage Slaw). Additionally, serving it alongside pickles (Refrigerator) adds a nice tang that complements the dish. For a complete meal, consider offering a light dessert such as fruit or a simple cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the stew in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four Hour Beef Stew contains roughly 48 calories, with 0g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 501mg per serving (22% 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 in this stew?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but make sure to thaw them first to ensure even cooking. They will also reduce the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on the stew as it bakes.
Is it possible to cook this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender meat.
What can I do if the stew turns out too salty?
If your stew is too salty, try adding a few extra chopped potatoes or a splash of water to dilute the saltiness. You can also add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors, but be cautious not to overdo it.
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).