Mee-Maw After Church Stew
A hearty, comforting stew featuring tender beef or venison simmered with vegetables and tomato soup, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place meat in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried sweet basil.
- Top with sliced celery, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, and sliced onions.
- Combine tomato soup with water.
- Pour the soup mixture over the meat and vegetables.
- Cover and bake in a slow oven at 300° to 350° for 3 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the beef in the spices overnight. If you don’t have tomato soup, you can substitute with crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. You can also add in other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for extra nutrition. Ensure the beef is lean to avoid excess grease in the stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew warm with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can add freshness to the meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Katy'S Oven Stew for a hearty family gathering or potluck. For a complete dinner, consider a simple dessert like apple pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mee-Maw After Church Stew contains roughly 1320 calories, with 35g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (232% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2411mg per serving (105% 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 meats instead of beef?
Yes, you can use venison or even chicken as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time, as chicken may require less time to cook. The flavors will still meld beautifully with the vegetables and tomato sauce.
What can I do if I don't have celery?
If you don’t have celery, you can replace it with diced bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture. Alternatively, simply omit it and increase the quantity of other vegetables, like carrots or potatoes.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You could also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a kick. Just be sure to adjust the other seasonings to balance the spice.
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).