Hearty Tomato Beef Stew
This delightful Hearty Tomato Beef Stew is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Every spoonful is packed with warmth and flavor, reminding me of cozy family dinners around the table. The rich combinations of tender stewing beef, succulent vegetables, and the secret ingredient of tomato soup create a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with fluffy dumplings for an unforgettable meal that will leave everyone wanting more!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Stewing beef
1.5 lbs (Cut into bite-sized cubes)
Flour
1/2 cup (For dusting the beef)
Water
6 cups (None)
Tomato soup
2 (14-ounce) cans (None)
Onion
1 (Diced)
Celery
3 stalks (Diced)
Carrots
3 (Sliced diagonally)
Potatoes
3 (Cubed)
Worcestershire sauce or dry red wine
2 tablespoons or 1/4 cup (None)
Bay leaf
1 (None)
Ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by dusting the stewing beef with flour in a colander, ensuring an even coating while allowing excess flour to fall away.
2
In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the floured beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
3
Once the meat has developed a nice crust, carefully pour in the water along with the Worcestershire sauce (or red wine), bay leaf, and ground pepper. Stir well to combine.
4
Incorporate one can of tomato soup into the pot. Depending on your personal preference, you might choose to add part or all of the second can later on.
5
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for approximately 2 hours, allowing the meat to become tender. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired texture.
6
When the beef is nearing your preferred texture, add the diced celery, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the pot. If desired, add a second portion of tomato soup at this point for added richness.
7
Continue to simmer, covered, for an additional 20 minutes, or until the vegetables reach your desired level of tenderness. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8
During the cooking process, remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Serve hot, preferably with dumplings for an extra touch of comfort!
Nutrition Information
8.3
Fat
16.7
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tomato Beef Stew?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, featuring tender beef, vegetables, and a secret ingredient of tomato soup.
What type of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of stewing beef cut into bite-sized cubes.
How should I prepare the beef before cooking?
Dust the stewing beef with flour in a colander to ensure an even coating while removing excess flour.
What is the secret ingredient in this stew?
The secret ingredient is tomato soup, which creates a rich and comforting flavor.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil to warm in the large pot.
How long should I brown the beef and onion?
Cook the beef and diced onion for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned on the outside.
Can I use red wine instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce with 1/4 cup of dry red wine.
How much water is required for the stew?
The recipe requires 6 cups of water.
When do I add the first can of tomato soup?
Incorporate one can of tomato soup after adding the water, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and pepper.
How long does the stew need to simmer initially?
The stew should simmer covered for approximately 2 hours until the meat is tender.
What vegetables are added to the stew?
The stew includes onion, 3 stalks of celery, 3 sliced carrots, and 3 cubed potatoes.
When should I add the celery, carrots, and potatoes?
Add the vegetables when the beef is nearing your preferred texture, usually after the first 2 hours of simmering.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be sliced diagonally.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be cubed.
Is the second can of tomato soup mandatory?
No, adding the second portion of tomato soup is optional and depends on your preference for added richness.
How long do the vegetables need to simmer?
Simmer the vegetables for an additional 20 minutes or until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It is highly recommended to serve the stew hot with fluffy dumplings for an extra touch of comfort.
How do I prevent the stew from sticking?
Remember to stir the stew occasionally throughout the cooking process to prevent sticking.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses a bay leaf, 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper, and optional salt for final adjustments.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in this beef stew?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The stew contains 8.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 16.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf is added during the simmering process to provide aromatic flavor to the stew.
Can I adjust the cooking time for the beef?
Yes, you can adjust the initial 2-hour simmering time based on your desired level of meat tenderness.
How many ingredients are in the Hearty Tomato Beef Stew?
There are a total of 12 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What type of pot should I use?
A large pot is recommended to accommodate the meat, 6 cups of water, and all the vegetables.
Is flour used for thickening?
Yes, the flour used for dusting the beef helps in browning and contributes to the stew's consistency.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, the instructions specify to cover the pot during both simmering stages.
Is this a good recipe for large families?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family recipe perfect for cozy dinners and any occasion.