Stew For All Occasions
A hearty and flavorful beef stew packed with tender vegetables, mushrooms, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, it combines savory herbs, red wine, and Dijon mustard for a taste that warms and satisfies. Suitable for a comforting, all-occasion meal.
Ingredients
- 16 oz stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2/3 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup quick cooking tapioca ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried fines herbes ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 small bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 pounds cubed lean boneless beef chuck ⓘ
- 1 pound carrots, scrubbed and quartered crosswise
- 4 large ribs celery, cut in 1-inch chunks ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 12 oz small mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons coarse grain Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 package frozen green peas ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a heavy 5 to 6-quart Dutch oven, combine stewed tomatoes, red wine, water, tapioca, sugar, dried fines herbes, salt, bay leaves, and pepper.
- Stir in the cubed beef chuck.
- Add the carrots, celery, and onions to the mixture.
- Cover the Dutch oven and bake for about 3 hours, stirring twice, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Discard the bay leaves before serving or refrigerating.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the beef chuck in the red wine for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have dry red wine, substitute with beef broth for a non-alcoholic option. For a thicker sauce, add a bit more tapioca. Experiment with different vegetables like parsnips or potatoes for variety, making it a versatile dish for all occasions.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Creamed Chopped Spinach for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for added freshness. For a complete dinner, serve with a glass of Iced Tea and a light salad to balance the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stew For All Occasions contains roughly 1223 calories, with 27g protein, 266g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (288% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1611mg per serving (70% 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After combining the ingredients, cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, ensuring a delicious result.
What can I substitute for the tapioca?
If you don’t have tapioca, cornstarch or flour can work as a thickening agent. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, adding it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve the desired thickness.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! While lean boneless beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its tenderness, you can substitute with pork shoulder or chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying cooking durations.
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).