Spiced Beef Stew
A hearty spiced beef stew featuring tender beef, sweet carrots, and aromatic allspice, perfect for comforting dinners and suitable for family gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a heavy casserole with a tight-fitting lid over high heat. Trim fatty edges from the beef stew meat.
- Add fat to the hot pan to grease the bottom. Remove the beef pieces and discard any excess fat.
- Cut the beef into 2-inch cubes and brown quickly, stirring to evenly cook.
- Sprinkle sugar over the meat and continue browning until the sugar caramelizes, giving a rich brown color.
- Add salt, whole allspice, bay leaf, apple cider, and beef broth; bring to a boil.
- Add peeled and cut carrots and quartered small onions to the stew.
- Return to a simmer. Cover and place the casserole in the oven to cook.
- In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch into water until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew and cook until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in apple cider overnight before cooking. If you can't find whole allspice, ground allspice can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. To enhance the dish, you might also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. This stew is similar to classic American recipes, showcasing rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spiced beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. This hearty stew is reminiscent of comforting dishes like Shephard Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spiced beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to maintain moisture. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Beef Stew contains roughly 998 calories, with 21g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (102% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and iron (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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, while lean beef is traditional, you can substitute it with lamb or pork for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of cooking times as different meats may require adjustments to become tender.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider including a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few diced jalapeños. You can also enhance the flavor with a splash of hot sauce or by adding chili powder to the stew while it cooks.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and carrots as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender. Add the cornstarch mixture in the last hour of cooking for thickening.
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).