Waldorf Astoria Beef Stew

Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty, slow-cooked beef stew with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and savory tomato juice, perfect for comforting family dinners or weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. beef, cubed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, cut up
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons tapioca
  • 4 medium potatoes, cut in chunks
  • 1 tablespoon salt or less
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Put vegetables and meat in a roaster in layers.
  2. Sprinkle on seasonings and tapioca.
  3. Add tomato juice and water.
  4. Cover the roaster and cook in the oven for 5 hours at 250°F.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef cubes before layering them in the roaster. If you need to substitute ingredients, you can use beef broth instead of water for more depth. Feel free to add herbs like thyme or bay leaves for extra aroma. Adjust the salt based on your preference, especially if using broth. This stew can also benefit from adding a splash of red wine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the 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 heartier dish, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or over egg noodles, similar to other comforting beef recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through, stirring occasionally for even warming.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Waldorf Astoria Beef Stew contains roughly 1637 calories, with 25g protein, 264g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (255% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 718mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

1637 kcal 82% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.3g 51% DV
Total Fat 55.6g 71% DV
Carbs 264.4g 96% DV
Fiber 34.4g 100% DV
Sugar 31.6g 63% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 718.1mg 31% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 1.7mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2299mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 143.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 236.3mg 18% DV
Iron 7.4mg 41% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

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 beef stew?

Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients as instructed, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will yield tender beef and flavorful vegetables, just like traditional methods.

What type of beef is best for this stew?

Chuck roast is an excellent choice for beef stew, as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. You can also use brisket or round, but avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which may not stand up to the long cooking time.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stew by adding vegetables like peas, green beans, or even mushrooms. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some vegetables may require less time to become tender.

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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