Mama'S Beef Stew
Mama's Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender stew meat simmered with potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful tomato-based broth. The combination of savory meat and sweet vegetables makes it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering warm, satisfying flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the stew meat until done.
- Add chopped onion, potatoes, carrots, tomato juice, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the catsup last and stir well.
- Serve hot with crackers or bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat before adding the vegetables. If you want to add a twist, you can substitute half of the tomato juice with beef broth for added depth. Don't hesitate to mix in some herbs like thyme or bay leaves for extra aroma. If you're short on time, using frozen pre-chopped vegetables can speed up preparation without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Beef Stew hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with seasoned potato wedges for a satisfying dinner. For a complete experience, consider serving a simple salad or a dish of spinach dip for vegetables as a refreshing contrast to the stew's richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Beef Stew contains roughly 220 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2116mg per serving (92% 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 a slow cooker for this beef stew?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for the tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce diluted with a bit of water. For a different flavor profile, try using V8 juice or a homemade mix of diced tomatoes and broth.
How can I thicken the stew?
To thicken the stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken it.
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).