Mother'S Stew

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty, slow-cooked stew featuring tender beef, vegetables, and rich tomato and wine flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. stew meat
  • 4 stalks celery
  • 4 large potatoes
  • 2 large onions
  • 6 carrots
  • 3 Tbsp. instant tapioca
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
  • 1 cup Burgundy red cooking wine

Instructions

  1. Brown the stew meat in a skillet or directly in the casserole dish.
  2. Combine all remaining ingredients into a greased large casserole dish or Dutch oven with the browned meat.
  3. Cover and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5 hours until the meat is tender and flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the stew meat in the Burgundy wine for a few hours before browning. If you're out of tapioca, cornstarch can serve as a thickener, though it may alter the texture slightly. Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth. Adjust salt and sugar based on your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting meal. A side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the stew. For a festive touch, consider offering a pitcher of Honey-Citrus Ice Tea alongside.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover stew should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Stew contains roughly 895 calories, with 10g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), potassium (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1244mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

895 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.9g 20% DV
Total Fat 24.2g 31% DV
Carbs 160.1g 58% DV
Fiber 11.1g 40% DV
Sugar 8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1243.5mg 54% DV
Potassium 2374.4mg 51% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 308.7mcg 34% DV
Vitamin C 58.4mg 65% DV
Calcium 70.1mg 5% DV
Iron 3.5mg 19% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 types of meat for this stew?

Yes, you can substitute beef with pork or lamb, but cooking times may vary depending on the cut. Ensure that any alternative meat is well-browned to enhance the stew's flavor. For a lighter option, consider using chicken, but reduce the cooking time to avoid dryness.

How can I make this stew more vegetable-heavy?

For a unique twist, try adding a handful of mushrooms or a can of drained beans for additional protein and texture, making it a heartier dish.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Just ensure it's completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove for the best results.

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).

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