P J'S Beef Stew
A hearty beef stew loaded with fresh vegetables and rich flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners and suitable for those who enjoy slow-cooked savory dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef stew, cubed ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 8 carrots, 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. fresh green beans ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can whole stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 3 Tbsp. tapioca ⓘ
- garlic to taste ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 medium potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the stew meat over medium heat until lightly browned; add 1/2 cup water to the pan and stir to loosen drippings.
- Place the browned meat in a large roasting pan.
- Mix in all remaining ingredients: chopped celery, carrots, green beans, stewed tomatoes, sugar, tapioca, garlic, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, cubed potatoes, water chestnuts, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the pan and bake in the oven at 300°F for 3 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef in red wine for a few hours before cooking. If you need a substitute for tapioca, cornstarch can work as a thickening agent, though you might have to adjust the amount. For a heartier stew, you can add mushrooms or replace some of the potatoes with parsnips.
Serving Suggestions
This beef stew is delicious served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the rich gravy. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make great side dishes. For a comforting twist, pair it with Rye Bread With Dill Dip for a delightful meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, defrosting in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of P J'S Beef Stew contains roughly 1374 calories, with 25g protein, 233g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (268% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 793mg per serving (34% 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. After browning the meat, transfer it along with all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the meat is tender.
What type of beef is best for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal for beef stew due to its rich marbling, which breaks down during cooking and adds depth to the flavor. Other cuts like round or brisket can also work, but may require adjustments to cooking time for tenderness.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the stew a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove when you're ready to serve. The stew may thicken as it sits, so add a little water or broth if necessary.
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).