Ranch House Stew
A hearty, savory stew featuring tender beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and a blend of chili powder, carrots, and celery, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat the beef with flour and salt.
- Brown the beef in oil in a skillet.
- Add hot water and tomato sauce with onions to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add sliced carrots and celery, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender and meat is done.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Ranch House Stew, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking. For a lighter option, substitute the beef with lean turkey or tofu. For additional flavor and texture, you can also include potatoes or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Ranch House Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Noodles And Beef or over a bed of rice. This stew also makes a fantastic filling for savory pies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranch House Stew contains roughly 650 calories, with 18g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and potassium (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2558mg per serving (111% 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 recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it's best to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even browning and cooking. If you're short on time, you can cook it from frozen, but the cooking time may need to be increased.
What can I add to make this stew spicier?
To add spice to your Ranch House Stew, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add a few dashes of hot sauce to suit your taste.
How do I know when the stew is done cooking?
The stew is done when the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork, typically after about 2 hours of cooking. Vegetables should be fork-tender but not mushy. Adjust the simmering time based on the size of your beef chunks.
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).