Oven Baked Stew

Prep: 20 min Cook: 330 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Oven baked stew offers tender meat infused with savory vegetables and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked to develop rich flavors. Perfect for hearty family dinners or gatherings, this dish combines the warmth of cooked tomatoes, carrots, and optional mushrooms, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. stew meat, cubed
  • 6 carrots, in chunks
  • 1 lb. can tomatoes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 ribs celery, diced
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 to 2 tsp. salt
  • dash of pepper
  • pinch of thyme
  • pinch of rosemary
  • pinch of marjoram
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup red wine
  • mushrooms (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients into a large casserole with a tight cover.
  2. Stir well and stir several times during cooking.
  3. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5 to 6 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the stew meat in the red wine overnight. If you don't have red wine, beef broth can be an excellent substitute. For a thicker stew, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a bit of water towards the end of cooking. Don't forget to check the seasoning towards the end; you can always adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty oven-baked stew with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or a simple green salad, like Shoe Peg Marinated Salad, for a refreshing contrast. It pairs excellently with a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe. For a complete meal, consider serving over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Oven Baked Stew contains roughly 175 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

175 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 37.5g 14% DV
Fiber 8.2g 29% DV
Sugar 3.6g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 342.2mg 15% DV
Potassium 577.2mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 71.6mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 102.5mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 63.7mg 5% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 different types of meat for this stew?

Yes, you can use other meats like pork or chicken, but cooking times may vary. For chicken, reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 hours, while pork may take around the same time as beef. Just ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.

What can I do if my stew is too salty?

If your stew turns out too salty, adding a peeled potato can help absorb some of the excess salt. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes before removing the potato. Alternatively, adding more vegetables or broth can dilute the saltiness.

Is it possible to prepare this stew in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stew a day ahead, let it cool, and refrigerate it. The flavors will develop even more overnight. Just reheat thoroughly before serving. This method not only saves time but also enhances the taste.

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).

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