Summer'S End Stew
A hearty summer stew featuring tender beef, fresh vegetables, and vibrant tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings during warm months.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. beef stew meat ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 8 to 12 medium, fresh tomatoes, peeled and cut up
- 2 c. tomato juice or water ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 4 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 3 to 5 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 2 c. frozen corn ⓘ
- 2 c. fresh cut green beans ⓘ
- 2 c. frozen peas ⓘ
- 2 to 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 c. sliced summer squash ⓘ
- 1/4 c. snipped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the beef stew meat in cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes, tomato juice or water, chopped onions, minced garlic, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Add peeled and quartered potatoes, sliced carrots, frozen corn, green beans, peas, and sliced celery.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add sliced summer squash; simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in snipped fresh parsley and sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary while simmering. If fresh tomatoes are not in season, use canned tomatoes instead. You can also substitute beef stew meat with chuck roast for similar results. To enhance the dish, try adding a splash of red wine while browning the meat, reminiscent of flavors found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. It also makes a great companion to dishes like Mother'S Brisket for a comforting family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer'S End Stew contains roughly 1529 calories, with 51g protein, 235g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (313% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (198% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2522mg per serving (110% 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 other types of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken or even pork. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different meats have varying tenderness and cooking requirements.
How can I make this stew vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice or water. You can also add more beans for protein.
Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until all ingredients are tender.
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).