My Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew featuring tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners and suitable for those craving rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Read all directions before starting the recipe.
- In a large pot, combine stew beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a dash of chili powder. Brown the beef over medium heat.
- Add chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped celery to the pot.
- Pour in the large can of whole tomatoes and the small can of tomato sauce.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of ketchup for added flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for approximately 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while browning the beef. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a twist, try swapping the beef for chicken or adding some green beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, try serving it alongside Easy Beef Casserole or with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Beef Stew contains roughly 276 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1678mg per serving (73% 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 other types of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute the stew beef with chicken, pork, or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time as these meats may require different cooking durations. For instance, chicken usually cooks faster, so check for doneness around the 1-hour mark.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to taste. You can also include a dash of hot sauce when serving for an extra kick.
What can I do if my stew is too salty?
If you find your stew too salty, add a peeled potato to the pot while it simmers; it will absorb some of the saltiness. Alternatively, adding a bit of sugar or vinegar can help balance the flavors.
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).