Val'S Beef Stew
A hearty beef or pork stew featuring tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and green vegetables, simmered in a savory tomato-based broth, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put meat in a pan and brown in some oil.
- Add barley, onions, carrots, and potatoes.
- Add enough water to cover with 2 inches more, then add beef bouillon and tomato sauce.
- Bring to a boil, then turn heat down and simmer for 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
- When the potatoes and carrots are almost done, add canned or frozen vegetables of choice.
- Let cook to a boil again, then add instant potatoes to reach desired consistency.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, seasoning salt, garlic salt, onion salt, and a little love!
- If you don't have instant potatoes, mix 2-3 tbsp flour or cornstarch with 1 cup cold water to thicken, then add to the boiling mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider browning the meat in a cast-iron skillet for better flavor. If you don't have instant beef granules, you can substitute with beef broth instead. For a heartier stew, feel free to add mushrooms or bell peppers. If you prefer a thicker stew, use less water or add more instant potatoes as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Val's Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a side of garlic bread or a light coleslaw. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Val'S Beef Stew contains roughly 899 calories, with 20g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (67% of the Daily Value), and potassium (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 25g 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
What can I substitute for barley in this recipe?
If you're looking for a substitute for barley, consider using farro or quinoa for a similar texture. Alternatively, you can simply omit it if you prefer a lighter stew.
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).