Sweet And Sour Beef Stew
Sweet and sour beef stew offers tender beef cubes simmered in a tangy sauce with carrots and onions, flavored with tomato sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. Perfect for hearty family dinners, it pairs beautifully with hot rice or noodles for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef stew meat cubes in hot oil.
- Add chopped carrot, chopped onion, tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, and salt.
- Cover and cook over low heat until meat is tender, approximately 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the beef in Worcestershire sauce overnight. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. If you prefer more acidity, consider adding a tablespoon of soy sauce. To thicken the stew, mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the pot, ensuring a smooth texture. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Easy One Dish Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour beef stew over hot cooked rice or noodles for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish complements steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. For a comforting weeknight dinner, consider pairing it with Mom's Ranch Stew for a delightful mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a bowl, covered with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Beef Stew contains roughly 1199 calories, with 6g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% 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 pork or chicken. However, cooking times may vary, especially for chicken, which typically requires less time to become tender. Adjust the recipe accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the stew?
To increase the sweetness, add a little more brown sugar or honey. If you find it too sweet, balance it out with an extra splash of vinegar or soy sauce. Taste as you go to find the right balance that suits your preference.
Is there a way to make this stew spicier?
Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. Start with a small amount, and adjust to your heat preference. This can enhance the flavor profile and give the stew a nice kick.
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).