My Special Stew
A hearty, tangy beef stew infused with vegetables and bold flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners and those who enjoy savory, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 3 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 6 carrots, diced ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ⓘ
- round steak, cubed ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the cubed round steak in cooking oil; drain excess fat.
- Add boiling water, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, catsup, prepared mustard, tomatoes, barbecue sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and sugar to the meat.
- Simmer the mixture for 2 hours.
- Add diced potatoes, carrots, and diced celery to the stew.
- Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Serve the stew over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the vegetables before adding them to the stew. If you prefer a slightly thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. For a vegan version, substitute the round steak with hearty mushrooms or lentils. Using low-sodium catsup can help control the salt content.
Serving Suggestions
This stew pairs beautifully with rice, but you can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping. A side salad can provide a fresh contrast to the hearty flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw. For a different twist, try serving it over mashed potatoes for a comforting variation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals. If the stew thickens too much while storing, add a splash of water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Special Stew contains roughly 562 calories, with 18g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (180% of the Daily Value), iron (88% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1367mg per serving (59% 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 for this stew?
Absolutely! You can substitute the round steak with beef chuck or even chicken for a lighter version. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using hearty vegetables like mushrooms and beans to maintain the stew's satisfying texture.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add a splash of hot sauce to the stew while it simmers for a more intense flavor. Just adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
What can I serve this stew with besides rice?
Besides rice, this stew is delicious served with baked potatoes or over quinoa for a healthier option. You could also try pairing it with some homemade cornbread or biscuits, which can soak up the flavorful broth beautifully.
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).