Nana'S Hearty Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting beef stew featuring tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, enriched with savory gravy and onion soup flavors, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a pan with oil.
- Shake and coat the beef with Durkee brown gravy.
- Brown the beef in the oil.
- Add water to cover the meat.
- Add the onion soup mix.
- Cover and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add the cubed potatoes.
- Cover and cook for another 30 minutes.
- In the last 10 minutes, add the frozen baby carrots.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in the gravy mix overnight before cooking. You can substitute the steak tips with lean cuts like chuck roast if needed. If you're short on time, frozen potatoes can be used instead of fresh ones. For added depth, toss in some herbs like thyme or rosemary. This stew pairs beautifully with American recipes like Easy Day Hamburger.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A side salad can add a fresh contrast to the richness of the stew. For a comforting twist, pair it with Good Old Southern-Style Tasty Meat Loaf for a cozy family dinner. Enjoy it with a glass of red wine for a perfect pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. It can also be microwaved in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Hearty Beef Stew contains roughly 144 calories, with 3g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1560mg per serving (68% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh baby carrots and diced potatoes can enhance the flavor and texture of your stew. Just make sure to add the fresh carrots at the same time you would add the frozen ones, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they become tender.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew turns out too watery, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering stew and let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes into the stew to naturally thicken it.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the beef first as instructed, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and will result in tender beef.
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).