Hearty Winter Stew
A hearty winter stew combining tender beef, seasonal vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for warming up cold days and satisfying the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef cubes ⓘ
- 2 small onions ⓘ
- 1 can (28 oz.) whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 box (10 oz.) frozen corn ⓘ
- 1 box (10 oz.) frozen peas
- 1 box (10 oz.) frozen green beans ⓘ
- 1 box (10 oz.) frozen lima beans ⓘ
- 1 bag (20 oz.) frozen whole baby carrots ⓘ
- 5 or 6 large potatoes ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut beef cubes into bite-sized pieces.
- Peel potatoes and dice them.
- Cut up onions.
- Cut up whole tomatoes, saving the juice.
- Coat the bottom of a soup pot with oil.
- Place beef cubes and onions into the pot.
- Brown the beef and onions, then drain off excess fat.
- Add the saved tomato juice, tomato sauce, diced potatoes, tomatoes, and all frozen vegetables to the pot.
- Fill the pot to the top with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 to 4 hours on the stove.
- Serve hot with rolls and butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a rich flavor, consider marinating the beef in a mix of garlic and herbs before cooking. You can substitute beef with chicken for a lighter version or use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth. If you're short on time, use pre-cut frozen vegetables. Always taste for seasoning before serving, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty winter stew pairs beautifully with crusty rolls and butter for a satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete dinner, consider following it with dessert options like a warm pie or cake. If you're looking for similar flavors, try pairing it with Myra's Lazy Day Vegetable Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Winter Stew contains roughly 1197 calories, with 24g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (210% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1553mg per serving (68% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Fresh carrots, green beans, and peas would work well in this recipe. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly as fresh vegetables can cook faster than frozen.
What can I serve with the stew?
This stew is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs well with buttered bread or a simple green salad. For a more filling option, serve it over mashed potatoes or rice. A glass of red wine would complement the flavors nicely.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew is too watery, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and simmer until thickened. Alternatively, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.
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).