Wagon Wheel Stew
A hearty wagon wheel stew featuring tender beef, vegetables, and wagon wheel pasta, infused with smoky barbecue flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat beef cubes with a mixture of flour, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- In a large saucepan, brown the beef and minced garlic in oil.
- Stir in water, undrained chopped tomatoes, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, quartered onions, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Add carrots, celery, and wagon wheel pasta.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 30 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef stew meat overnight in the seasoning mix. If you need a quicker option, you can use pre-cut stew meat and add frozen vegetables to save time. Feel free to swap the wagon wheel pasta for any pasta shape you have on hand, or even use barley for a heartier option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Wagon Wheel Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of Cream Of Mushroom Meat Loaf, which adds a deliciously earthy flavor to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Wagon Wheel Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the stew. You can also microwave it in short increments, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wagon Wheel Stew contains roughly 2215 calories, with 27g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 191g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (172% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! After browning the beef and garlic, transfer everything to the slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours, and add the carrots, celery, and pasta in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking.
What can I substitute for the beef stew meat?
If you're looking for a different protein, you can substitute beef stew meat with chicken thighs or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken will cook faster than beef.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too thin?
If your Wagon Wheel Stew turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until it 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).