Grandma'S Stew
A hearty, comforting beef stew packed with potatoes, kidney beans, and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef and onions into a stew pot.
- Cut tomatoes into small pieces and add them to the beef mixture.
- Peel and cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Add potatoes to the stew pot.
- Season with salt and pepper; cook covered on low to medium heat for 1 hour.
- Add kidney beans and cook until potatoes are tender. Add water if needed during cooking, or a small can of tomato paste with water to adjust consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can use canned potatoes instead of fresh ones. For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water. This stew is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste, similar to beef recipes like Uncle Bob's Hot Dog Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting finish, consider serving with a slice of cornbread or alongside a lighter dish like Skillet Zucchini Dinner to balance the hearty flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. If the stew thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Stew contains roughly 780 calories, with 25g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (174% of the Daily Value), potassium (58% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1479mg per serving (64% 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 types of beans in this stew?
Yes, you can substitute red kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure they are cooked and ready to add in at the appropriate time, as this will keep the stew's cooking process consistent.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, add chopped jalapeños, or stir in a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference. This can complement the savory flavors beautifully.
Is it possible to make Grandma's Stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew can be made a day in advance, as the flavors deepen and improve overnight. Just allow it to cool before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat gently 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).