Oven Bake Stew
A hearty oven-baked stew featuring tender beef and flavorful vegetables, slow-cooked to develop rich flavors. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this dish offers comforting warmth with savory broth and melt-in-your-mouth meat. Easy to prepare and forgiving of busy schedules.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a skillet.
- Cut all vegetables into chunks.
- Mix all ingredients in a large roasting pan.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 3 hours at 325°F or for 4 hours at 250°F.
- Don't peek until after 2 hours; re-cover and finish baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight in the beef broth with a bit of Worcestershire sauce. If you want to add a different texture, try using parsnips in place of some carrots. You can also thicken the stew more by adding a bit of flour along with the cornstarch.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For an added touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. It also complements well with side dishes like mashed potatoes or rice. Consider serving it alongside the Saturday Night Special for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Bake Stew contains roughly 1304 calories, with 20g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (261% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), and potassium (96% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1916mg per serving (83% 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 different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use pork or chicken as alternatives to beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since these meats may require less time to become tender. However, beef recipes typically yield a richer flavor.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the mix. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick.
Can I freeze this stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
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).