French Stew
French Stew is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender beef combined with vegetables and flavorful seasonings. Baked slowly to develop rich flavors, it suits cozy family dinners and casual gatherings. The combination of tomatoes, potatoes, and green beans creates a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large roaster.
- Cover and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat before mixing it with the other ingredients. If you don’t have Minute tapioca, cornstarch can be a good substitute for thickening the stew. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or celery for extra nutrition. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, especially if using canned ingredients that may already contain sodium.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Swedish Roasted Potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. For a complete meal, consider a side salad or steamed vegetables. This hearty dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover French stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. If the stew thickens too much during storage, add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Stew contains roughly 2180 calories, with 31g protein, 354g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (216% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1369mg per serving (60% 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 types of meat in this stew?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for stew meat, you can use cuts like chuck roast or even lamb. Just ensure the meat is suitable for slow cooking to achieve tenderness. If you're feeling adventurous, try using venison for a unique twist.
What if I don't have all the canned vegetables?
No worries! Fresh or frozen vegetables can be substituted for canned ones. Just chop them into similar sizes and adjust cooking time as needed. You might also consider adding peas or corn for extra flavor and color.
How can I thicken the stew further if it's too watery?
If you find the stew is too thin after cooking, you can blend a small portion of it and stir it back in for added thickness. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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).