Mother'S Beef Stew
A hearty and savory beef stew featuring tender cubed beef, carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooked to perfection with simple seasonings, ideal for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean cubed beef with 2 teaspoons of oil in a skillet.
- Sprinkle the beef with paprika.
- Boil the sliced carrots, sliced celery, and potatoes until tender.
- Add salt to the cooked vegetables.
- Add flour to the browned beef and cook until the beef is tender.
- Combine the beef with the cooked vegetables.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 1/2 hours until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. You can substitute the beef with a lean cut of pork or chicken for a different taste. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves during simmering can enhance the stew's aroma. If you prefer a thicker stew, add more flour or a cornstarch slurry at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad can add a nice contrast. It pairs beautifully with Gail'S Beef And Tater Casserole for a comforting dinner spread.
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 until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Beef Stew contains roughly 1404 calories, with 25g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (142% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1241mg per serving (54% 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 frozen vegetables in this stew?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables as a convenient alternative. Just add them directly to the stew without thawing, but note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. They may also release more water, so you may want to reduce the initial amount of water added.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the beef. Alternatively, you can serve the stew with a side of hot sauce to allow each person to adjust the spice level to their liking.
What type of beef is best for stew?
The best cuts for stew are those that benefit from slow cooking, such as chuck roast or brisket. These cuts are well-marbled and become tender when simmered. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they can dry out and become tough during the long cooking process.
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).