Oven-Cooked Beef Stew
Hearty oven-cooked beef stew with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and a rich tomato base, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut beef stew meat into 1-inch cubes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then roll in flour.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet and brown the meat well.
- Transfer the browned meat to a 2-quart casserole.
- Lightly brown the onions in the fat remaining in the skillet and add to the meat.
- Add the seasoning (bay leaf, cloves) and sliced celery, then stir well.
- Cover and bake in a 325°F oven for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add the canned peas, sliced carrots, potatoes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Stir the vegetables into the meat mixture.
- Cover and continue baking for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the cooking process. If you don’t have celery on hand, you can substitute with diced bell peppers or carrots. To thicken the stew, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking. This dish pairs beautifully with Minnesota Hot Dish for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side salad or steamed green vegetables can complement the dish well. For a twist, you might enjoy it alongside Cheese And Beef Quiche for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, in 1-2 minute intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven-Cooked Beef Stew contains roughly 1425 calories, with 26g protein, 250g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (218% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (190% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2476mg per serving (108% 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 other meats for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with lamb or pork, although cooking times may vary. Just ensure the meat is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Adjust the seasoning to match the flavor profile of the meat you choose.
How do I make this stew more flavorful?
To enhance the flavors, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also sauté garlic with the onions for an aromatic touch. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can deepen the umami flavor of the dish.
Can I prepare this stew in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew a day ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven until warmed through.
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).