Mother'S Mess
A hearty, savory stew combining tender beef with vegetables and creamy mushroom soup, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large roasting pan, combine the sliced carrots, celery, sliced mushrooms, diced green pepper, quartered red potatoes, sliced stew beef, and the can of cream of mushroom soup.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the mixture.
- Cover the roasting pan with foil or a lid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours, until the beef is tender and flavors are well blended.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew beef in a skillet before adding it to the roasting pan. You can substitute the red potatoes with Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a different taste. If you have leftover vegetables, feel free to toss them in; this dish is versatile. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mother'S Mess with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to balance the hearty flavors. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with Earl'S 4-Way Chili if you want to serve a variety of flavors. A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the richness of the beef nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until warm, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Mess contains roughly 781 calories, with 61g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (449% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (197% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% 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 recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can make your own cream of mushroom soup using sautéed mushrooms, cream, and a bit of broth. Alternatively, a can of cream of chicken soup can work as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite forgiving; you can add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as softer vegetables may need less time to cook than the heartier ones in the original recipe.
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).