Harvest Stew
A hearty harvest stew combining tender beef, fresh vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and showcasing seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the stew beef in fat.
- Add salt, pepper, chopped onion, tomatoes, water, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and macaroni, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add canned corn and cooked vegetables to taste, including their juices.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the stew beef overnight in a mixture of spices or herbs. If you're short on time, use pre-cut stew meat for convenience. For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water. This stew can be enhanced with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Harvest Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A light side salad or steamed green vegetables pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the stew. For a comforting twist, top with grated cheese or fresh herbs before serving. This dish is perfect for cold evenings and can be a delightful main course alongside the Vegetable Chili Medily.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the stew. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through, ensuring not to overcook the macaroni.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harvest Stew contains roughly 1143 calories, with 32g protein, 225g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (218% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1644mg per serving (71% 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 freeze the Harvest Stew?
Yes, you can freeze Harvest Stew! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I use instead of macaroni?
If you prefer not to use macaroni, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini, or even use rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as rice may require a longer simmer to cook through.
How can I make the stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, consider adding a slurry made of cornstarch and water, or mash some of the beans or vegetables to create a creamier texture. You could also let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. This will enhance the flavor and density of the stew.
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).