Quick Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew with vegetables and rich mushroom gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners and suitable for all beef lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- If using fresh beef, put 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and fry the beef until brown.
- Add mushroom gravy and a couple of cans or jars of water.
- Add seasonings and bouillon cubes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer while preparing the vegetables.
- Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and quartered potatoes to the stew.
- Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
- Serve hot with warm French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker cook time, consider using pre-cut beef or beef stew meat. If you want to add more flavor, sauté garlic with the onions. You can substitute vegetable broth for water to enhance the taste. To make it heartier, add other vegetables like peas or green beans. This stew recipe is versatile, resembling traditional American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef stew with warm French bread for dipping. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the meal well. For an extra special touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with the Never-Fail Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in a covered bowl until hot. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Beef Stew contains roughly 1081 calories, with 17g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1259mg per serving (55% 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 frozen beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you're short on time, you can cook it from frozen, but it will take longer to brown and may release extra moisture into the stew.
What can I substitute for mushroom gravy?
If you don't have mushroom gravy, you can use beef broth or a mix of beef broth and cream of mushroom soup. This will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor. Adjust the seasonings accordingly based on your substitution.
How can I thicken my stew?
To thicken your stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mashing a portion of the potatoes in the stew can also help create a thicker consistency.
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).