The New Beef Stew
The New Beef Stew offers tender chunks of beef simmered with hearty vegetables and fragrant herbs, creating a rich and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of orange peel, thyme, and oregano adds a unique flavor profile that elevates traditional stew into a special meal.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. lean beef stew meat ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, halved
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon instant beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3 medium carrots, peeled ⓘ
- 2 parsnips, peeled
- 1/2 medium turnip ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen peas ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim all excess fat from the beef and discard.
- Cut the beef into 1-inch chunks.
- Spray a Dutch oven or large heavy saucepan with nonstick spray coating.
- Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add the beef.
- Cook, stirring until the beef is browned on all sides.
- Remove from heat and carefully add water to the pan.
- Return to heat and bring to a boil, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
- Add the onions, grated orange peel, beef bouillon granules, crushed thyme, crushed oregano, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. If you're short on time, consider using a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process. Substituting sweet potatoes for regular potatoes can add a unique sweetness to the dish. Incorporate a splash of red wine for added depth, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a hearty option, consider serving it alongside Judy'S Macaroni Dish for a comforting dinner. Leftover stew can also be used in a delicious Dried Beef Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The New Beef Stew contains roughly 1635 calories, with 45g protein, 354g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (530% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (254% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 148g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, while this recipe calls for beef, you can substitute with lean pork or lamb. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different meats can vary in tenderness and cook time.
What can I do if my stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply add a bit more water or broth, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for a few additional minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I add more vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
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).