Gaston Beef Stew
Gaston Beef Stew is a hearty, slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef, vegetables, and rich flavors from tomato sauce, sherry, and aromatic spices—perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 lb beef stew or chuck
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 c tomato sauce ⓘ
- 12 peppercorns ⓘ
- 3 whole cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 c chopped parsley
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 c dry sherry ⓘ
- 6 medium potatoes, pared and quartered ⓘ
- 6 carrots, pared and quartered ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over high heat and brown the beef pieces.
- Pour off most of the accumulated fat after browning.
- Sprinkle the beef with flour and transfer it to a heavy saucepan.
- Pour beef bouillon, tomato sauce, peppercorns, cloves, parsley, bay leaf, and chopped garlic and onion over the beef.
- Simmer, covered, for 2 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- During the last hour of cooking, add the dry sherry to the stew.
- Separately, cook the potatoes, carrots, and celery until nearly tender.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef bouillon and homemade stock. If you're out of dry sherry, white wine or even apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute. To enhance the stew, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce for depth. For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Gaston Beef Stew is perfect served with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. A side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad can complement the meal beautifully. For a heartier option, serve it alongside mashed potatoes. This stew pairs wonderfully with American recipes like Meat-Ze Pie for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much while reheating, add a little beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gaston Beef Stew contains roughly 1500 calories, with 41g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (271% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1911mg per serving (83% 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 other cuts of beef for this stew?
Yes, while chuck is ideal for stews due to its marbling, you can substitute with brisket or round cuts. Just ensure to cook them long enough for tenderness. Keep in mind that different cuts may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like peas, parsnips, or even mushrooms. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, you can include a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and onion. Alternatively, a splash of hot sauce can be added to taste just before serving. Adjust the spice level according to your preference for a delightful kick!
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).