Ole-Time Yummy Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew with tender meat and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and showcasing rich, savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef chuck or lean stew meat, cut in 1 1/2 inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 or 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- dash of ground allspice or cloves ⓘ
- 6 carrots, pared and quartered ⓘ
- 4 to 5 potatoes, pared and quartered ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the beef in 2 tablespoons hot shortening, turning often.
- Add 2 cups hot water and the remaining ingredients except the vegetables.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaves and garlic.
- Add the vegetables (carrots and potatoes). You may need to add a little more hot water.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in Worcestershire sauce and garlic overnight. If you're out of paprika, smoked paprika or even chili powder can add depth. You can substitute the potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips for a different taste. Don't rush the browning process; it enhances the stew's overall flavor, much like in Texas Braggin' Chili.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty beef stew is perfect served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. Pair it with a simple side salad for a balanced meal. For a cozy winter dinner, consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine. It also pairs beautifully with Ellie'S Vegetable Soup for a two-course meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ole-Time Yummy Beef Stew contains roughly 693 calories, with 11g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), potassium (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1175mg per serving (51% 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 slow cooker for this beef stew?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
What if I don't have bay leaves?
If you don't have bay leaves, you can leave them out or substitute with a small amount of dried thyme or oregano, which will provide a different but pleasant aromatic flavor. Just remember that bay leaves impart a unique taste, so the stew will be slightly different.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as peas, green beans, or even mushrooms. Just be mindful of cooking times; add quicker-cooking veggies later in the process to ensure they don't become mushy.
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).