Stay-Abed Stew
A hearty, slow-cooked beef stew with vegetables, perfect for lazy days or when feeling under the weather. Easily assembled and cooked overnight for convenience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat a casserole dish with a tight lid to 275°F (135°C).
- Mix all ingredients together in the casserole dish.
- Put the lid on the casserole dish.
- Place in the preheated oven and cook for 5 hours.
- Serve hot once cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the casserole dish. You can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of chicken or cream of mushroom if preferred. If you like a bit of heat, adding a dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the dish. This stew pairs well with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Stay-Abed Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs nicely with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Rice Dressing (Rita'S Foolproof Recipe) for a comforting twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stay-Abed Stew contains roughly 300 calories, with 13g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (128% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1571mg per serving (68% 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 substitute the beef stew meat with chicken thighs or pork shoulder if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken will cook faster than beef. Ensure that the meat is tender and cooked through before serving.
What if I don't have cream of celery soup?
If cream of celery soup isn't available, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Both will give a different flavor profile but will still work well in the stew. You could also make a homemade cream sauce if you prefer.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too thin?
If your stew is thinner than desired, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stirring it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, removing the lid for the final hour can help reduce and thicken the stew naturally.
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).