Hearty Slow-Baked Beef Stew for Winter Warmth

Really Easy Beef Stew Recipe

Description

When the chill of winter settles in and comfort food is calling, this Really Easy Beef Stew is the answer. A classic from the Better Homes and Gardens Busy Woman’s Cookbook, this recipe delivers warmth and heartiness with minimal effort. Perfect for those who want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this stew combines simple ingredients to create a nourishing dish that’s great for a family dinner or to share with friends. Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your taste, adding herbs like oregano and a touch of garlic for extra flavor. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 4 hours, you’ll have a delicious, homey meal ready to enjoy with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds stewing beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery ribs, sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 can (10.75 oz) tomato soup

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, place the stewing beef, chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.

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2. Add Tomato Soup: Pour the tomato soup over the meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring that everything is well-covered. The soup will act as the base for the stew, providing both flavor and moisture.

3. Bake: Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and place it in the oven. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.

4. Add Potatoes: After 3 hours, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Add the cubed potatoes to the stew, stirring gently to combine. Return the pot to the oven and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened.

5. Serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors!

Tips

• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and basil according to your taste. Adding a pinch of oregano or garlic can enhance the flavor further.
• Make Ahead: This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
• Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 259.1
• Fat: 5.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.3 g
• Cholesterol: 72.6 mg
• Sodium: 700.7 mg
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3.7 g
• Sugar: 6.7 g
• Protein: 27.7 g

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty stew with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s also perfect on its own for a filling and satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. Enjoy this easy and comforting stew on those cold winter days when you need a bit of warmth and simplicity in your cooking.

This recipe for Really Easy Beef Stew is perfect for those busy days when you want a comforting meal with minimal preparation. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers a delicious, nourishing dish every time.