Stairwell Stew
A hearty slow-cooked beef stew with savory vegetables, olives, and mushrooms, perfect for comforting family dinners and packed with rich, robust flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean stewing beef, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 to 2 garlic cloves, sliced ⓘ
- 2 large celery stalks, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup pitted green olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
- Grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Trim and wipe the stew meat thoroughly.
- Combine all ingredients, except flour, water, and mozzarella cheese, in the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 10 to 12 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Mix the flour and water to make a slurry, then stir into the stew to thicken if desired.
- Optional: sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider browning the beef in a skillet before adding it to the crock-pot. You can substitute the green olives with capers or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder taste. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch. To enhance the dish, add some herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Stairwell Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top just before serving, adding a delicious creamy finish to this hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, and warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stairwell Stew contains roughly 615 calories, with 25g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 625mg per serving (27% 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?
Absolutely! While lean stewing beef is traditional, you can substitute it with pork, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat used.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the mixture. You can also serve the stew with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to spice it up individually.
What can I do if I don't have a crock-pot?
If you don't have a crock-pot, you can make this stew on the stovetop. Simply cook it in a large pot or Dutch oven over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and flavors meld together.
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).