Four Hour Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked stew with tender beef, savory tomato flavors, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with rich, satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle salt, sugar, and tapioca over the meat.
- Add 1 cup of tomato sauce and crushed garlic.
- Layer the ingredients in a casserole dish.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 4 hours.
- Add potatoes 1 hour before the stew is done.
- Push the potatoes down into the juice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the stew meat overnight in the tomato sauce and garlic. For a richer taste, use beef broth instead of water if desired. If you prefer a thicker stew, add more tapioca or a cornstarch slurry at the end. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut frozen vegetables as a substitute for fresh ones.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side of Harvey'S Cole Slaw House can provide a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the stew. For a complete dinner, pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four Hour Stew contains roughly 1488 calories, with 22g protein, 216g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (94% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 888mg per serving (39% 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 meat with other cuts like brisket or even chicken thighs for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different meats may require adjustments.
What should I do if I don't have tapioca?
If you don't have minute tapioca, you can use cornstarch or flour as a thickening agent. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry and add it towards the end of cooking.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. Just add the potatoes in the last hour to prevent them from becoming too soft.
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).