Mother'S Busy Day Beef Stew
A hearty, comforting beef stew slow-baked with tender vegetables and flavorful broth, perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the stew meat in a skillet.
- Layer the cooked meat, sliced onions, carrots, potatoes, optional celery, beef broth, water, pepper, and apple cider vinegar in a 4-quart covered dish or foil-covered dish.
- Do not stir the ingredients.
- Bake at 275°F for 5 to 6 hours until the meat is tender and flavors are melded.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. You can substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different twist. If you want to add depth, toss in a few cloves of garlic or some herbs like thyme or rosemary. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and is a great make-ahead meal similar to My Grandmother'S Quick And Easy Chili.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables can complement this dish nicely. It pairs beautifully with Debbie'S Beef N' Potato Casserole for a comforting dinner spread that your family will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it appears too thick. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Busy Day Beef Stew contains roughly 375 calories, with 12g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (226% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (209% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 951mg per serving (41% 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 different types of meat in this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, which will also yield tender results. Some recipes even use pork or lamb, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the meat's tenderness.
Is it necessary to layer the ingredients without stirring?
Yes, layering without stirring allows the flavors to meld beautifully during baking, creating a more flavorful and tender stew. Stirring can disrupt the cooking process and affect the consistency.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning the meat first and then adding all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.
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).