Slow-Cook Beef Stew
A hearty slow-cooked beef stew with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and rich tomato and wine sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef chuck ⓘ
- 3 carrots ⓘ
- 3 medium onions ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery ⓘ
- 2 to 3 large potatoes ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. tapioca ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Burgundy or red cooking wine
- 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 dashes garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut beef into 1 1/2-inch pieces and arrange in a greased 5-quart casserole with lid.
- Cut carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-size pieces.
- Layer the vegetables over the beef in the casserole.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, sugar, and tapioca.
- Pour tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, and wine over the ingredients.
- Cover and bake at 275°F for 6 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef before adding it to the casserole. You can substitute red wine with beef broth for a non-alcoholic version. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute. Adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the flavor profile, similar to those found in other classic beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Easy Low-Fat Cheeseburger Pie, as both dishes offer hearty flavors that complement each other well.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow-Cook Beef Stew contains roughly 791 calories, with 19g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (112% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), and potassium (67% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 17g 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 a different cut of beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round, but beef chuck is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked. Just ensure that whatever cut you choose has some fat for flavor.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If the stew is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened to your liking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this beef stew?
Absolutely! You can replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and carrots, and use vegetable broth instead of wine. Adding lentils or beans can also provide protein and make the dish more filling.
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).