Waldorf Stew
A hearty beef stew with vegetables and tomato flavor, slow-cooked to tender perfection, ideal for comforting family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put beef stew meat, chopped onion, celery, carrot, and potatoes in a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato soup to the mixture and rinse the can with a little water, then pour into the dish.
- Cover with a lid and cook for 5 hours at 250°F (120°C).
- Do not raise the lid during cooking.
- Do not brown the meat; it makes its own gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef with herbs overnight. If you want to reduce cooking time, you can use pre-cooked beef or a pressure cooker. For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add lentils for protein. Adjust the seasoning based on personal preference, especially if you enjoy more spice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Waldorf Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious gravy. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can complement the dish nicely. For a heartier meal, pair it with mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables, making it a comforting option for chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Waldorf 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 use a microwave in short intervals until heated through. The stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; just ensure it cools completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Waldorf Stew contains roughly 1146 calories, with 19g protein, 180g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (193% of the Daily Value), potassium (98% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1273mg per serving (55% 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 frozen beef stew meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat, but it's best to thaw it beforehand to ensure even cooking. If you're using it directly from the freezer, increase the cooking time slightly, but be cautious not to raise the lid during cooking.
What can I substitute for tomato soup in this recipe?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Adding a tablespoon of sugar can help balance the acidity. You can also try using vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew turns out too watery, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and let it simmer for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can mash a few pieces of potatoes to naturally thicken the gravy.
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).