Wendy'S Oven Baked Stew
Hearty and flavorful, this oven-baked stew combines tender venison with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture, making it ideal for those who enjoy slow-cooked, savory dishes with a rustic touch.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. venison stew meat ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 potatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 6 carrots, cut up
- 3 celery stalks, cut up ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. rosemary leaves ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce
- 1/2 can water ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large dish or pot.
- Bake at 250°F for 5 to 6 hours, or transfer to a crock-pot and cook on low.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the venison stew meat in red wine or balsamic vinegar for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have venison, beef stew meat can be a suitable substitute. Feel free to adjust the vegetables according to your preference; parsnips or turnips work well in stews. For a thicker consistency, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-baked stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Turkey Pasta Salad. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, either microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, or warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. If the stew thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore its original consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wendy'S Oven Baked Stew contains roughly 823 calories, with 13g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (148% of the Daily Value), potassium (63% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1266mg 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 a different type of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While venison is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute it with beef, lamb, or even chicken if desired. Just adjust the cooking time according to the meat's tenderness.
How can I make this stew more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, add a bay leaf during cooking or incorporate a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can also intensify the taste, so feel free to experiment with those.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After mixing all the ingredients, simply transfer them to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
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).