Lo-Cal Beef Stew For Two
A hearty, low-calorie beef stew packed with vegetables and rich flavors, perfect for comforting dinners or family meals with customizable add-ins.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a pot, combine stew meat, canned tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and optional garlic and sugar.
- Add water if needed to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 45-60 minutes until the meat is tender.
- Add chopped carrots, green onions or onion, celery, and potatoes.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
- Optional: Vary the stew by adding mushrooms, beef broth, egg noodles (omit potatoes), bell pepper, hot pepper, or other ingredients as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For tender meat, choose well-marbled stew meat and brown it before adding other ingredients. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking. You can also substitute the beef with chicken or omit it for a vegetarian version. Consider adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with Oven Roasted Potato Wedges or crusty bread for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, consider a side salad like Nine Day Coleslaw to balance the richness. Enjoy with a glass of red wine for a delightful dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the beef stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Beef Stew For Two contains roughly 2123 calories, with 43g protein, 393g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (299% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 different vegetables in the stew?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile; feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables may cook faster than others.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced hot peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the other ingredients. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side, allowing everyone to adjust the spiciness to their liking.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, making the stew a day in advance can actually enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prep or hosting.
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).