Good Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew featuring tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and savory tomato juice, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dip the stew meat in self-rising flour to coat.
- Brown the floured beef in bacon grease or peanut oil until browned on all sides.
- Boil the floured beef in water for about 1 hour until tender.
- Add chopped onion, potatoes, chopped celery, and tomato juice to the pot.
- Continue boiling until the vegetables are tender.
- Add frozen peas and whole okra pods, then simmer for an additional 7-10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bay leaf during cooking. If you don't have self-rising flour, all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder can work as a substitute. You can also swap the lima beans with green beans or corn based on availability. Browning the beef well is key to enhancing the stew's flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery cornbread, making it perfect for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving a side salad or some roasted vegetables. You might also enjoy it alongside Baked Scrambled Eggs(Great For Brunch) for a hearty brunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. This helps to maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Beef Stew contains roughly 639 calories, with 17g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 482mg per serving (21% 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 beef with other meats like pork or chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as different meats have varying tenderness and cooking requirements. For instance, if using chicken, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I add to make the stew thicker?
To thicken your stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mashing some of the potatoes in the stew can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I freeze this beef stew?
Yes, this beef stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop until hot.
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).