Gracie'S Stew
A hearty, comforting stew featuring tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and savory soups, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings with rich, flavorful broth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a casserole dish, place the stew meat on the bottom.
- Add the quartered potatoes, carrots, and onions on top of the meat.
- Mix the cream of celery and cream of mushroom soups together.
- Pour the soup mixture over the meat and vegetables.
- Pour the beer or ginger ale over everything.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the top.
- Cover the casserole and bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 3 hours without peeking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking. If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch with water before adding it to the stew. If you don't have cream of celery or mushroom soup, you can substitute with homemade versions or other creamy soups like cream of chicken. Make sure to season the stew meat well for better flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. You can serve it with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. Consider enjoying it alongside a slice of Connie's Mandarin Orange Cake for dessert to balance the savory flavors of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Gracie's Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it to prevent splatters, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gracie'S Stew contains roughly 1044 calories, with 23g protein, 206g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (188% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2332mg per serving (101% 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 use other cuts of beef like chuck or brisket, which will also work well in this stew. Alternatively, you could try using pork or even chicken for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time according to the meat you choose to ensure it becomes tender.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can transfer all the ingredients into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows for deeper flavors to develop and makes for an easy, hands-off cooking process.
Can I freeze the leftover stew?
Yes, Gracie's Stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
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).