Lazy Man'S Beef Stew
A hearty, comforting beef stew with tender meat, vegetables, and savory tomato flavor, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings. Easy to prepare with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a large casserole dish.
- Put the beef, carrots, potatoes, tomato soup, bay leaf, onions, and wine or water into the dish.
- Cover and bake in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 4 hours.
- Remove from oven and stir, adding more water if needed.
- Add frozen peas and drained mushrooms.
- Cover again and cook for an additional 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef before adding it to the casserole dish. You can substitute the red cooking wine with beef broth or even vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. If you don’t have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms work just fine; just ensure they are well-drained. This dish can be made even heartier by adding other vegetables like green beans or corn.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is perfect served with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to balance the richness of the stew. For a comforting meal, pair it with a glass of red wine and enjoy a cozy dinner that rivals other classic beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Lazy Man's Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Man'S Beef Stew contains roughly 1261 calories, with 35g protein, 201g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (268% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), and iron (120% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 37g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different cuts of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While stew beef is ideal, you can use chuck roast or brisket, which will also tenderize beautifully during the long cooking process. Just make sure to cut the meat into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and creates a deliciously tender stew.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, Lazy Man's Beef Stew freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just be aware that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly after freezing.
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).