Sweet-Sour Beef Stew
Sweet-sour beef stew combines tender beef with tangy tomato and vinegar flavors, complemented by sweet carrots and onions, perfect for hearty, comforting meals for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef in hot oil.
- Add chopped carrots, sliced onion, tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, water, and salt.
- Cover and cook over low heat until the meat is tender, about 2 hours.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water and add to the beef mixture.
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Serve over hot cooked noodles, garnished with carrot curls and parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef in vinegar and Worcestershire sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a sweeter stew, increase the brown sugar slightly. You can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar if needed. For a thicker sauce, use an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet-Sour Beef Stew over hot cooked noodles for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Wonderful Cole Slaw for a refreshing crunch. You might also enjoy a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce, making it a complete One-Dish Meal With Beef.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Beef Stew contains roughly 1212 calories, with 2g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium.
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 pork or chicken for beef, but cooking times may vary. Chicken will cook faster, so adjust accordingly to ensure it remains tender.
What can I serve with Sweet-Sour Beef Stew?
This stew is best served with hot cooked noodles, but you could also serve it with rice or mashed potatoes. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables would complement the dish nicely.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider including red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew. You could also sauté some minced garlic or fresh ginger with the onions for extra 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).