Sauerbraten Stew

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: German

Sauerbraten Stew offers tender meatballs in a tangy, sweet, and spiced gravy with carrots and onions, perfect for hearty, comforting meals with a German-inspired flavor profile.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 dozen meatballs, cooked
  • 4 carrots, sliced and cooked
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 2 Tbsp wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • few grains cloves

Instructions

  1. Using powdered nonfat gravy mix, prepare according to package directions, adding gingersnaps to the mixture.
  2. Cook the gravy mixture slowly for 5 minutes.
  3. Add cooked, sliced carrots, wine vinegar, chopped onion, brown sugar, and bay leaf to the gravy.
  4. Simmer the stew for 30 minutes.
  5. Serve with wide noodles, if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of beef broth or a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy mixture. If you don't have gingersnaps, crushed ginger cookies or even a touch of molasses can provide a similar sweetness. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or pepper to taste, and feel free to add your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sauerbraten Stew over wide noodles for a hearty meal. A side of crusty bread, like Elizabeth'S French Bread, is perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy. For a complete dinner, consider a light salad or steamed vegetables as a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sauerbraten Stew contains roughly 416 calories, with 4g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (97% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

416 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 5.4g 7% DV
Carbs 89.9g 33% DV
Fiber 7.2g 26% DV
Sugar 69.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 223.6mg 10% DV
Potassium 795.5mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 877.4mcg 97% DV
Vitamin C 4.8mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 129.1mg 10% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 advance?

Absolutely! This stew can be made a day ahead and actually benefits from sitting overnight, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What can I use instead of meatballs?

If you prefer a different protein, diced beef or pork works well in this stew. For a vegetarian option, try using lentil or mushroom meatballs for a hearty texture and flavor.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the Sauerbraten Stew for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if 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).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →