Peppery Oven Stew Beef
A hearty, peppery beef stew baked to tender perfection with colorful bell peppers and onions, ideal for cozy dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use lean stew beef cut into cubes.
- Coat the beef in seasoned flour.
- Brown the beef in oil on the stove.
- Pour off excess grease from the pan.
- Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the beef and stir to coat.
- Brown the flour-coated beef to make a gravy.
- Add 3/4 cup water to the pan and stir.
- Pour the beef and gravy mixture into a covered casserole dish or pan.
- Place in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook until the beef is almost tender.
- Add chopped bell pepper and onion to the dish.
- Continue cooking until the vegetables are done and the beef is tender.
- Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider marinating the stew beef in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a thicker gravy, use two tablespoons of flour instead of one. Bell peppers can be replaced with other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for variation. For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes, which soak up the flavorful gravy. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppery Oven Stew Beef contains roughly 316 calories, with 17g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. At about 316 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it's best to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better browning. If you're short on time, you can use the defrost setting in your microwave, but be cautious not to start cooking the beef.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. Additionally, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Adjusting these ingredients will give you control over the spice level without overpowering the dish.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can customize this stew by adding vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or green beans. These not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional value. Just ensure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking, and adjust cooking time as 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).