Never Fail Vegetable Beef Sour
A hearty slow‑cooked beef and vegetable stew, bursting with tomato richness and savory broth—perfect for family dinners or warming leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato juice, undrained canned tomatoes, beef bouillon cubes, onion, celery, water, and trimmed stew meat in a crock‑pot.
- Stir occasionally if you are home during the day.
- Set the crock‑pot to low and cook for about 6 to 7 hours, until the meat is tender.
- About an hour before serving, parboil potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and mixed vegetables; drain them.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the crock‑pot and stir.
- Serve hot, enjoying the flavors enhanced the next day.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it in the last hour of cooking. You can also substitute the stew meat with ground beef or turkey for a different texture. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or biscuits, making for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving a light salad or roasted vegetables on the side, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. This stew also freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Never Fail Vegetable Beef Sour contains roughly 98 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% 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 tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, but you will need to peel and chop them before adding. Use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes to match the volume of canned tomatoes. This will add a bright, fresh flavor to the stew.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
Chuck roast is an ideal choice for this recipe as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. You can also use brisket or round, but avoid lean cuts as they may become tough during the cooking process.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, green beans, or peas according to your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is cooked to perfection.
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).