Homestyle Stew
Homestyle beef stew features tender meat simmered with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs, offering comforting flavors perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Crisco
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3 potatoes, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 2 onions, sliced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups apple cider ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 4 carrots, quartered
- 1 stalk celery, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, dried thyme, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat the beef stew meat with the flour mixture.
- In a large saucepan, brown the meat in hot Crisco, half at a time.
- Sprinkle any remaining flour mixture over the meat during browning.
- Return all the meat to the saucepan.
- Stir in apple cider, water, and vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the meat is tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Add potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery to the stew.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Skim off excess fat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef in apple cider overnight before cooking. If you want a thicker stew, add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking. You can substitute vegetable oil for Crisco, or use butter for a richer taste. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can also enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty homestyle stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a fulfilling meal. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable With Beef Stew for a comforting dinner spread. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can round out the meal nicely, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months; just ensure it cools completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homestyle Stew contains roughly 328 calories, with 4g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1224mg per serving (53% 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 meat in this stew?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can substitute with lamb or even chicken for different flavors. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat used—chicken will cook faster, while lamb may require a similar time as beef.
What can I do if my stew is too salty?
If your stew turns out too salty, adding a peeled potato can help absorb some of the saltiness. Cook it in the stew for about 20 minutes, then remove it before serving. Adding a little more water or unsalted broth can also dilute the saltiness.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like green beans, peas, or bell peppers. Just remember to add them according to their cooking times—harder vegetables should go in earlier, while softer ones can be added later to avoid overcooking.
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).