Great And Easy Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked beef stew with vegetables and rich tomato flavor, perfect for comforting family dinners and suitable for those who enjoy savory, tender meat dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the cut-up meat, carrots, onions, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper into a very large roasting casserole.
- Cover and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5 hours.
- After 3 hours of cooking, add the sweet potato and regular potatoes.
- Continue cooking until all vegetables and meat are tender.
- At the very end, thicken the stew with potato starch dissolved in wine or water.
- Optional: Add mushrooms and pearl onions for additional flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sear the chuck roast cubes before adding them to the casserole. You can substitute the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes or even parsnips for a different taste. If you want a thicker stew, consider adding a can of drained beans like Mrs. Nell'S Company Beans toward the end of cooking for extra protein and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great And Easy Stew contains roughly 685 calories, with 14g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (107% of the Daily Value), and potassium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1967mg per serving (86% 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 cut of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round steak. Just ensure they have enough marbling for tenderness. If you opt for a leaner cut, consider cooking it for a shorter time to prevent it from becoming tough.
What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or tomato paste mixed with water. Adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain the flavor profile of the stew.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until everything is tender. Just add the sweet potatoes in the last 2 hours of cooking.
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).