Southern Stew
Southern Stew is a hearty dish featuring tender sirloin, flavorful tomatoes, and a mix of vegetables, seasoned with chili powder and red pepper for a spicy kick. Perfect for comforting family dinners, it combines bold flavors and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless sirloin steak ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced onions ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. canned crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced green cabbage ⓘ
- 8 oz. drained canned chickpeas ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green or red bell peppers ⓘ
- 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Broil the steak on a rack in a broiling pan for 5 minutes on each side until browned.
- Cut the steak into 2-inch pieces and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and minced garlic; cook until onions are translucent.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, chili powder, and red pepper; simmer for a few minutes.
- Add sliced green cabbage, drained chickpeas, and chopped bell peppers.
- Return the steak pieces to the skillet, stir to combine.
- Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the sirloin steak in your favorite spices or a bit of soy sauce before broiling. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the steak with mushrooms or tofu. You can also add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for added heartiness. Adjust the chili powder and ground red pepper to match your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Southern Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A side salad with light vinaigrette can complement the stew's rich flavors. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside some Asian Beef Noodles as a fusion meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Southern Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Stew contains roughly 784 calories, with 36g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value), iron (134% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2830mg per serving (123% 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?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck or even brisket; just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these cuts may require longer to become tender. Alternatively, try chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or ground red pepper. You can also include fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to amp up the spice level to your liking.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the steak and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and flavors are well combined.
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).