V-8 Beef Stew

Prep: 15 min Cook: 240 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty beef stew featuring tender meat, vegetables, and flavorful V-8 juice, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 to 2 lb. beef stew meat
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 small bunch carrots, sliced
  • 16 oz. frozen peas
  • 8 to 10 potatoes
  • 2 small cans V-8 juice (12 oz. each)
  • 1 box homestyle gravy (Pillsbury)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the onion and beef in a skillet or directly in the crock-pot.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients to the crock-pot.
  3. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Cook in the crock-pot for 4 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef stew meat in V-8 juice for a few hours before cooking. If you're short on time, frozen vegetables can be substituted for fresh ones. For a thicker stew, add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last hour of cooking. This dish can be easily adapted to incorporate seasonal vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the V-8 Beef Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to balance the richness of the stew. This dish also pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread for a comforting dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover V-8 Beef Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of V-8 Beef Stew contains roughly 778 calories, with 17g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), and potassium (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2216mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).

778 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.5g 35% DV
Total Fat 16.2g 21% DV
Carbs 149g 54% DV
Fiber 35.6g 100% DV
Sugar 57g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2216.3mg 96% DV
Potassium 4201.6mg 89% DV
Cholesterol 2.2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 32.6mg 36% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 347.5mg 27% DV
Iron 8.1mg 45% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 different types of meat in this stew?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken or turkey, but cooking times may vary. Poultry typically requires less time in the crock-pot, so adjust accordingly to ensure it's fully cooked and tender.

Is it possible to make this stew in a regular pot instead of a crock-pot?

Absolutely! You can make this stew on the stovetop by browning the meat and onions, then adding the remaining ingredients and simmering for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.

What can I do if the stew is too salty?

If your stew turns out too salty, you can add a diced potato to absorb some of the saltiness. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, then remove the potato before serving. Adding more vegetables or a splash of water can also help balance the flavors.

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).

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