Old Fashioned Stew
Old Fashioned Stew offers hearty comfort with tender vegetables and rich flavors, balanced by Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this classic dish is satisfying, warming, and easy to prepare, making it ideal for those who enjoy timeless, hearty American comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, combine the Basic Stew Mixture, 1 1/2 cups water, salt, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Add the carrots and potatoes and cook until tender.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Blend the flour with 1/2 cup water to make a slurry.
- Stir the flour mixture slowly into the hot liquid.
- Cook and stir until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat before adding the Basic Stew Mixture. If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. You can also add other vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition. For a thicker stew, adjust the slurry by adding more flour or reducing the amount of water used.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned Stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Busy Housewife Slaw for a refreshing crunch. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. It’s also delightful with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Stew contains roughly 274 calories, with 7g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (167% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1320mg 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty stew.
What can I substitute for potatoes?
If you prefer not to use potatoes, you can substitute them with sweet potatoes or turnips for a different flavor profile. Cauliflower is another great low-carb alternative that will add a unique texture to the stew.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
To make this stew gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Make sure to check the labels of your Basic Stew Mixture and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
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).