New England Stew
A hearty New England stew featuring tender beef, colorful vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. beef sirloin tip, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup onion ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tapioca
- 1 cup celery ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes
- 2 cups carrots ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large stalk celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 medium yellow squash, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch slices ⓘ
- 2 cups peeled and coarsely chopped fresh or canned whole tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup canned low-sodium tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over low heat.
- Cook chopped onion, sliced celery, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic, stirring often, for about 8 minutes until vegetables are soft.
- Add carrots, sliced zucchini, and sliced yellow squash to the skillet and cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes.
- In a large pot, combine cubed beef, onion, tomato sauce, tapioca, chopped celery, canned tomatoes, carrots, and the sautéed vegetables.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and flavors meld, approximately 1 hour.
- Add cooked red kidney beans and black beans, and cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in the tomato sauce and spices overnight. You can substitute the beef sirloin with chuck roast for a more economical option or use lentils for a vegetarian version. Ensure that all vegetables are cut uniformly for even cooking, and feel free to add your favorite herbs like thyme or bay leaves for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty New England Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal. A side salad or steamed green vegetables can complement the dish nicely. It also pairs beautifully with recipes like Miami Heat Chili for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This stew also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Stew contains roughly 1464 calories, with 61g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (175% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (150% of the Daily Value), and iron (132% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2077mg per serving (90% 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine for a deeper flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the dish. For a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes would work nicely.
Is it okay to use canned beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a convenient and time-saving option. Just be sure to rinse and drain them to reduce sodium content. This will keep your stew healthy and flavorful.
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).