Six Day Stew(Bachelors Survival Food)
A hearty, long-simmered beef stew with vegetables and rich flavors, perfect for survival or batch cooking, developing deep taste over hours and ideal for make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 package Wylers beef stew starter
- 1 (15 oz.) can sliced white potatoes (use liquid)
- 1 (15 oz.) can whole new potatoes (use liquid)
- 1 (15 oz.) can baby carrots (use liquid) ⓘ
- 1 lb. whole button mushrooms (fresh)
- 1 beef bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Braise stew beef in a 4 or 5-quart pot until well browned.
- Add canned vegetables with liquid to the pot.
- Add stew starter.
- Stir well.
- Add mushrooms, bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, and wine.
- Add water, salt, and/or spices to taste.
- Simmer slowly for 8 to 10 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Let cool to room temperature.
- Place covered pot in refrigerator for at least 24 hours to let flavors blend.
- Serve one portion in a bowl and microwave until hot.
- Enjoy!
- The stew will last for six days until gone, then you can make another pot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat in batches to avoid steaming. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. You can also add extra vegetables like celery or bell peppers for variety. For a thicker stew, add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew in a bowl, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad, such as Pasta Dijon Salad, to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider serving it with Dill Pickles(Kosher Style) on the side for a crunchy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to six days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until steaming hot, stirring halfway through for even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Six Day Stew(Bachelors Survival Food) contains roughly 165 calories, with 1g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different types of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute stew meat with other cuts like chuck roast or even pork. Just ensure the meat is cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking. If you want a lighter version, try using chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I make this stew vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef stew starter with a vegetable broth and omit the beef bouillon cube. Use hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add lentils or beans for protein. This way, you can enjoy a rich and hearty stew without the meat.
What should I do if the stew is too salty?
If the stew turns out too salty, you can balance it by adding more liquid, such as water or low-sodium broth. Adding diced potatoes can also help absorb some of the saltiness. Let it simmer longer after adding these ingredients to blend the flavors.
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).