Mom'S Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew with vegetables and pickles, offering rich flavors and a tangy twist perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef stew meat in butter in a Dutch oven.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper to the Dutch oven.
- Mix together water, dill pickle liquid, and chili sauce, then add half of this mixture to the meat and vegetables.
- Cover and simmer the stew for about 2 hours, adding the remaining liquid during cooking as needed.
- Just before serving, stir in the sliced dill pickles.
- Serve the stew over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider searing the beef stew meat in batches to avoid steaming. You can substitute the fresh mushrooms with canned mushrooms if needed, or use other vegetables like potatoes or green beans for variety. If you prefer a thicker stew, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. This stew can also inspire variations like a Chili-Potato Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew over creamy mashed potatoes or wide noodles for a comforting meal. It pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a complete dinner, consider a side salad or steamed vegetables. This hearty dish can also be enjoyed with a glass of red wine for a delightful experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture, reheating in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Beef Stew contains roughly 566 calories, with 14g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (242% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (234% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2343mg per serving (102% 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 definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the liquids and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
What can I substitute for chili sauce?
If you don’t have chili sauce, you can use ketchup mixed with a little hot sauce for a similar flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of barbecue sauce and hot sauce can also work well, adding a nice tangy sweetness to the stew.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You could also serve the stew with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer to spice it up to their 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).