Rose'S Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew featuring tender cubes of beef, aromatic garlic, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and slow-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 lb. lean beef, cut in cubes ⓘ
- 1 pkg. onion soup mix ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. lite Italian salad dressing
- 10 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. lemon pepper
- 1/4 tsp. liquid dill spice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes
- 3 Tbsp. grape jelly ⓘ
- 4 stalks celery, sliced coarsely ⓘ
- 2 c. whole baby carrots
- 2 c. water
- 8 medium red bliss potatoes, peeled and cubed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown beef cubes in lite Italian salad dressing, onion soup mix, and minced garlic cloves.
- Add lemon pepper, liquid dill spice, Italian seasoning, white vinegar, water, seasoned salt, paprika, parsley flakes, and grape jelly.
- Simmer, covered, on low heat for 60 minutes.
- Add 1 cup water and continue to simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours longer, until the meat is tender.
- Add sliced celery, baby carrots, and cubed potatoes, then cook until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider searing the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. For a twist, swap out the grape jelly with apricot preserves for a different sweetness. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cut vegetables and cooked beef for a quicker preparation. For a heartier version, add mushrooms or peas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting beef stew with crusty bread or over a bed of Easy Oven Rice for a complete meal. A fresh green salad can provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the stew. For a delightful pairing, consider offering a glass of red wine that complements the beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. This stew also freezes well; just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rose'S Old-Fashioned Beef Stew contains roughly 157 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1995mg per serving (87% 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 different type of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While lean beef is traditional, you can substitute it with chicken or turkey for a lighter dish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as poultry cooks faster than beef.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef and combining the ingredients in the pot, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in additional water or beef broth until you reach your preferred consistency. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed after adding more liquid.
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).