Sweet 'N Sour Beef
Sweet 'N Sour Beef features tender beef and colorful vegetables in a tangy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef stew meat in a skillet.
- Chop carrots, onion, celery, green pepper, and slice mushrooms.
- Place the browned meat and chopped vegetables into a crock-pot.
- Add tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, and salt to the crock-pot.
- Cook on low overnight or for approximately 8 hours until vegetables are tender.
- Before serving, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the crock-pot and stir to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the sweet 'n sour beef over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef in the Worcestershire sauce before browning. If you want to reduce the acidity, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for the regular vinegar. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition, as you might in a Beef recipes dish. Using a thicker cut of meat can also enhance the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet 'n sour beef over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a satisfying meal. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the flavors. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches or wraps. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Microwave Pizza Wheels for a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover sweet 'n sour beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet 'N Sour Beef contains roughly 187 calories, with 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1491mg per serving (65% 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 recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, though cooking times may vary. For a lighter option, chicken or tofu can work well too, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish actually tastes better when made ahead. You can prepare it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
If your sauce turns out too thin, simply mix cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the crock-pot. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
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).