Winter Stew
A hearty winter stew with tender beef, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for cold days and comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef stew meat in hot shortening in a heavy skillet, sprinkling with seasoned salt as it cooks.
- Add boiling water and tomato juice to the skillet.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Add quartered onions, diced potatoes, kernel corn, and sliced carrots.
- Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add more water or tomato sauce if desired.
- Serve with biscuits.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in a bit of red wine before adding the liquids. You can substitute the beef bouillon cubes with low-sodium broth for a healthier option. To enhance the stew, add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you're looking for a hearty twist, try adding some beans or peas, reminiscent of dishes like Meat Balls 'N Vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the winter stew piping hot, accompanied by freshly baked biscuits or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. This stew also goes wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, creating a comforting and hearty dining experience. For more ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Winter Stew contains roughly 1746 calories, with 31g protein, 266g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (288% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (149% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 909mg per serving (40% 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?
Yes, you can substitute beef with other meats such as lamb or pork, though cooking times may vary. Just ensure that the meat is cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. If using chicken, consider adjusting the cooking time down to avoid drying it out.
How can I make this stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, you can add a slurry made from cornstarch and water or mash some of the potatoes into the broth. Another option is to simmer the stew uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid. This will intensify the flavors as well.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to include your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just chop them into similar sizes and add them during the last 20 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender but not mushy.
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).