Good Brown Stew
A hearty and flavorful beef stew with tender vegetables, seasoned with spices and savory broth, perfect for comforting family meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, cut into 1 inch cubes ⓘ
- 4 cups hot water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 small bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- pinch of allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 6 carrots, quartered ⓘ
- 8 small onions ⓘ
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cut in eighths ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the beef in 1 to 2 tablespoons of fat in a large pot.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except the vegetables.
- Simmer for 1 hour and 45 minutes, adding water if necessary.
- Add the carrots, onions, and potatoes.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the liquid if desired to make gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sear the beef well until browned on all sides. You can substitute the beef with lamb or chicken for a different taste. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cut vegetables or frozen ones. To enhance the taste, add a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the good brown stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider a side of steamed greens or a crisp salad. This hearty stew is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Brown Stew contains roughly 752 calories, with 15g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (160% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef, transfer everything into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a mixture of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar. This will provide a similar depth of flavor to your stew.
Can I freeze the stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).