Sandy Duncan'S Grandma Darlin' Stew
A hearty, savory beef stew with potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting dinners and adaptable with leftover vegetables for a customizable flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large stew pot.
- Add all ingredients—water, red wine, beef bouillon cube, potatoes, carrots, celery, chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and salt—to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Feel free to add leftover vegetables such as corn, cauliflower, green beans, okra, or broccoli during cooking.
- Serve hot with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of beef and pork in the stew. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a few of the cooked potatoes before serving. You can also substitute the red wine with beef broth or omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version. Feel free to enhance flavor with seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder. For a heartier meal, add beans or lentils.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stew hot with cornbread for a comforting meal. A side salad or steamed green vegetables can complement the dish nicely, adding freshness. For a more filling experience, pair it with a slice of hearty bread or biscuits. This stew is perfect for family gatherings or cold winter nights, and it pairs beautifully with Hamburger Mush.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture. This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sandy Duncan'S Grandma Darlin' Stew contains roughly 894 calories, with 20g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (213% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (151% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1196mg per serving (52% 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
What can I substitute for the beef bouillon cube?
If you don't have beef bouillon cubes, you can use beef broth as a base instead. Adjust the amount of water you add to avoid overly salty stew. Homemade stock can also enhance the flavor, providing a rich and savory foundation to your dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or veggie crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of water and beef bouillon, and include a variety of vegetables to maintain texture and flavor in this hearty stew.
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).