Stew Made Easy
A hearty, savory stew combining tender meat, vegetables, and rich soups, perfect for comforting family dinners and suitable for all hearty meal lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large roasting pan, mix all ingredients.
- Cover and cook in a 350°F oven for 3 hours.
- During the last 1/2 hour, uncover and continue cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat before mixing it with the other ingredients. If you don’t have mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery or chicken soup. Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and remember that the bay leaf should be removed before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad, such as the refreshing Arizona Salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a simple side of yellow rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color.
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 or use the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little water if it thickens too much. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stew Made Easy contains roughly 479 calories, with 15g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (184% of the Daily Value), and calcium (135% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 52g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen stew vegetables in this recipe. Just add them directly to the pan without thawing. They will cook down nicely during the baking time and will absorb the flavors of the stew.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over a longer cooking time.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew turns out too watery, you can thicken it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes directly into the stew.
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).