Margaret'S Homemade Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew with tender meat and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold evenings, customizable with optional green beans, corn, and peas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the stew meat with salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
- Add water to a 1-quart pan and add the seasoned meat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, add diced raw vegetables (onion, celery, carrots, potatoes) and bring to a boil until tender.
- About 10 minutes before serving, add canned green beans, corn, and peas if desired, and cook until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the pot. You can substitute the beef with a plant-based option for vegan recipes. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mary Tobey'S Cranberry Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Enjoy it as a comforting dinner or a filling lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Margaret'S Homemade Beef Stew contains roughly 1053 calories, with 23g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), and potassium (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2693mg per serving (117% 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After seasoning the meat, place it in the slow cooker with water and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the vegetables during the last 2-3 hours of cooking for optimal tenderness.
Is it possible to freeze leftover beef stew?
Absolutely! You can freeze leftover beef stew for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the stew?
Consider adding herbs such as thyme or bay leaves during the cooking process for added depth. A splash of red wine can also enhance the flavor. Experiment with different vegetables or even a can of diced tomatoes for a unique twist.
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).