German Beef Supper
German Beef Supper features tender beef stew with sweet apple, aromatic herbs, and savory noodles, creating a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb beef stew meat ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp Crisco shortening ⓘ
- 1 large apple ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot ⓘ
- 1/2 onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/3 cup red wine ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp dried thyme ⓘ
- 4 cups medium noodles ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp margarine
- 1/4 tsp poppy seed ⓘ
- 4 tsp cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown beef stew meat in hot Crisco shortening.
- Add shredded apple, shredded carrot, sliced onion, water, red wine, salt, minced garlic, beef bouillon cubes, bay leaf, and dried thyme.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Cook medium noodles according to package directions.
- Drain the noodles.
- Add margarine and poppy seed to noodles and mix well.
- Combine cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the beef stew and cook, stirring, until thickened.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet for color and mix.
- Serve the beef stew over the poppy seed noodles and accompany with pumpernickel bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef stew meat overnight in the red wine and seasonings. If you don't have red wine, beef broth can be a suitable substitute. Using a mix of apples can add depth; try a sweet variety for contrast. Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente to hold up against the sauce, and consider serving with pumpernickel bread for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew generously over the poppy seed noodles for a comforting meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes, providing a refreshing contrast. For a complete experience, pair this dish with pumpernickel bread, which complements the rich flavors beautifully. This dish can also inspire variations, such as the hearty Beef And Burgundy.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover German Beef Supper can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Beef Supper contains roughly 1075 calories, with 6g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2151mg per serving (94% 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 recipe?
Yes, while beef stew meat is traditional, you can substitute with pork or lamb. Just adjust the cooking time as different meats may require longer or shorter simmering to become tender. For a lighter option, you could also consider using chicken thighs, which will also absorb the flavors well.
What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Medium egg noodles are ideal as they can hold the rich stew well. However, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as wide noodles or even spaetzle for an authentic German touch. Just ensure they are cooked al dente so they maintain their texture when combined with the stew.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Simply cool the stew completely before refrigerating. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep!
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).