Old Fashioned Stew(Basic Stew Mixture)
A hearty and comforting beef stew with tender meat and rich flavors, perfect for family dinners or cold nights, simmered to perfection in a savory broth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the shortening in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Brown a portion of the beef stew in the hot shortening on all sides.
- Remove the browned meat from the Dutch oven.
- Repeat the browning process until all meat is browned.
- Return all the browned meat to the Dutch oven.
- Add water, chopped onions, minced garlic, and salt to the Dutch oven.
- Cover and simmer until the meat is tender, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Once cooled, skim off the fat from the top of the stew.
- Pour the stew mixture into three 1-quart freezer containers.
- Seal, label, and freeze the containers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the stew while it simmers. You can substitute the beef with lamb or chicken for a different taste. If short on time, use pre-cut stew meat to save on prep. Adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas can enhance the stew, making it similar to Easy Oven Beef And Vegetable Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side salad can add freshness and balance the richness of the stew. For a comforting experience, consider pairing it with a glass of robust red wine. This stew also complements well with mashed potatoes, enhancing the overall flavor, much like the comforting combinations found in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid bringing it to a boil to maintain the meat's tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Stew(Basic Stew Mixture) contains roughly 7363 calories, with 28g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 740g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2933mg per serving (128% 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 frozen beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before browning to ensure even cooking. If you add it directly from the freezer, it will release too much moisture, preventing proper browning and flavor development.
What vegetables can I add to the stew?
You can add a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or celery. These can be added alongside the onions and garlic for added flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they are cut into uniform sizes to cook evenly.
How do I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
If your stew ends up too watery, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and adding it to the simmering stew, stirring until thickened. Alternatively, mash a few pieces of potatoes directly in the stew for a natural thickening effect.
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).