Never Fail Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew featuring tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato base, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt and pepper the beef to taste and roll in flour.
- Brown the beef in a skillet with oil or shortening; drain excess fat.
- Place the browned beef in a casserole dish with sliced celery, sliced carrots, quartered onions, and cubed potatoes.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of tomato juice and 2 teaspoons of salt to the dish.
- Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of sugar over the mixture.
- Cover and bake or simmer until the beef is tender, approximately 1.5 hours.
- Thicken the stew with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water before serving if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in the tomato juice overnight. You can substitute the potatoes with parsnips for a different taste, or use sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor. If you're low on time, a pressure cooker can reduce cooking time significantly while still yielding tender beef. Adding a splash of red wine can elevate the dish, similar to what you might find in other beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Nana'S Shepherd'S Pie for a cozy family feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never Fail Beef Stew contains roughly 719 calories, with 14g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (190% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1321mg per serving (57% 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 a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or brisket, but keep in mind they may require different cooking times. Alternatively, for a lighter version, you could use chicken or turkey, adjusting the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender.
What can I do if my stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply stir in a little beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help maintain the flavor while achieving the right texture. Just remember to adjust seasonings as necessary after adding liquid.
How can I make this stew ahead of time?
You can prepare the stew a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. For even more convenience, consider freezing portions for later enjoyment, ensuring to leave space in the container for expansion.
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).