Lazy Stew
A hearty, flavorful slow-cooked stew featuring tender meat and sweet carrots, perfect for comforting family dinners and easily customizable with additional vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in crock-pot.
- Put lid on and cook for 5 hours.
- May add other vegetables if desired.
- Be sure to slice them thin.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the crock-pot. You can also substitute the canned tomato soup with homemade tomato sauce for a fresher taste. If you're looking to add more vegetables, consider adding bell peppers or potatoes, but be sure to slice them thin for even cooking. Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lazy Stew with crusty bread for a hearty meal, or over a bed of rice for a filling option. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed green beans for a balanced dinner. For a comforting twist, try serving it with a dollop of Grandpa'S Special Sauce to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Lazy Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the stew thickens too much while stored, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Stew contains roughly 170 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1969mg 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 frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you prefer. Just add them to the crock-pot with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that frozen vegetables may release more water, so you might want to reduce the amount of liquid slightly to avoid a soupy consistency.
How can I make this stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove some of the liquid and blend it before returning it to the pot.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Lazy Stew is perfect for meal prep. Make a larger batch and portion it out into individual containers. It freezes well, so you can enjoy it later. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion when 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).