Marlene'S Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew with tender meat, carrots, potatoes, and peas, flavored with onions, garlic, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce—perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef stew meat well in a small amount of oil.
- Add all ingredients except the vegetables and simmer, covered, for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove the bay leaf and garlic.
- Add 6 carrots cut into 2-inch lengths.
- Pare and halve 6 small potatoes and add 6 small onions.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Add 1 cup frozen peas or drained canned peas and cook until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef stew meat in Worcestershire sauce overnight. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. You can also add other vegetables like celery or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. For a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the final simmer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Marlene's Beef Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a comforting and delicious side, consider serving it alongside herb meat loaf or a classic American recipe like Hamburger And Baked Beans for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marlene'S Beef Stew contains roughly 154 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1192mg per serving (52% 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 other types of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with other cuts like chuck roast or even venison for a different flavor. Just ensure the meat is well-browned to develop flavor before simmering.
How can I make the stew gluten-free?
To make the stew gluten-free, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free. You can also thicken the stew with cornstarch instead of flour, if needed.
What can I do if the stew is too salty?
If your stew ends up too salty, try adding more water or low-sodium broth to dilute the saltiness. You can also add a peeled potato during the simmering process to absorb some salt, removing it before serving.
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).