Sweet 'N Sour Beef Stew
Sweet 'N Sour Beef Stew offers tender beef in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners with a touch of bold flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the stew meat in oil.
- Add diced onion, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chopped carrots, tomato sauce, salt, vinegar, and 1/2 cup water to the pot.
- Cover and cook over low heat until the meat is tender, about 2 hours.
- Combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Cook and stir until the sauce is thick and bubbly.
- Serve the stew over hot cooked noodles, optionally sprinkled with poppy seed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the stew meat in Worcestershire sauce and vinegar for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of cornstarch, you can use flour to thicken the sauce, but adjust the amount accordingly. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet 'N Sour Beef Stew over hot cooked noodles for a comforting meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. A sprinkle of poppy seeds on top adds a delightful crunch. This dish also pairs beautifully with Paul'S Bread And Butter Pickles for a tangy side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet 'N Sour Beef Stew contains roughly 704 calories, with 1g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2011mg per serving (87% 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?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can substitute with pork or even chicken. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary based on the type of meat used.
Is there a way to make this stew spicier?
Certainly! You can add a few dashes of Milton Denfrod'S Hot Sauce during cooking for a kick. Alternatively, consider including diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or even tomato paste mixed with a little water. Both will work well to maintain the stew's rich flavor.
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).