Meat Stew
A hearty meat stew featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the stew meat into 1 1/2-inch cubes and roll in flour.
- Put shortening in a fryer cooker and set the thermostat at 350°F.
- When sizzling hot, add meat in several portions and brown on all sides.
- Add salt, pepper, bay leaves, and boiling water to the meat.
- Cover and simmer on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.
- Add more water if needed during simmering.
- Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced onions.
- Simmer, covered, for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove meat and vegetables onto a serving dish with a slotted spoon.
- Discard bay leaves.
- Thicken the gravy with a flour and water paste (1 tablespoon flour to 2 tablespoons cold water per cup of liquid) to desired consistency.
- Pour hot gravy over the meat and vegetables before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the stew meat in the herbs and spices overnight. If you don't have marjoram, thyme or oregano can be good substitutes. To save time, you can use pre-cut stew meat and frozen vegetables. Additionally, adding a splash of red wine can enhance the richness of the stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meat stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A side salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew. It pairs beautifully with No Bake Coconut Candy for a sweet finish to your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if it has thickened too much. For longer storage, consider freezing the stew in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Stew contains roughly 1319 calories, with 24g protein, 184g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1272mg per serving (55% 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. Brown the meat in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
How can I make this stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, you can use a flour and water paste as mentioned in the instructions. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the vegetables into a puree and stir it back into the stew for a natural thickening effect.
What can I add for more flavor?
Consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the stew for additional depth of flavor. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also brighten the dish. Experiment with spices to suit your taste.
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).