Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Comfort Beef Stew?
It is a fulfilling dish that combines tender beef stew meat with a medley of vegetables like baby carrots, potatoes, and green beans in a rich tomato-based broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the total cook time in a crockpot?
The stew should be cooked on the low setting for 8 hours.
Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?
Yes, browning the beef in a skillet for 5-7 minutes adds depth to the overall flavor of the stew.
What vegetables are included in this stew?
The recipe includes green beans, corn, onions, baby carrots, and potatoes.
Can I use frozen green beans instead of canned?
The recipe specifically calls for one 14.5 ounce can of drained green beans, but frozen can be used as a substitute.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
Is this beef stew a good source of protein?
Yes, it provides 23g of protein per serving.
How much tomato sauce is required?
You will need 16 ounces of tomato sauce for the broth base.
Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?
Yes, you can substitute 1 lb of regular carrots, just ensure they are cut into manageable pieces.
Should the corn be drained before adding to the pot?
Yes, use one 14.5 ounce can of corn and ensure it is drained.
How much water is added to the crockpot?
You should add 1/3 cup of water to help create the rich broth.
What kind of potatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for 5 diced potatoes; starchy varieties like Russet or waxy ones like Yukon Gold work well.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be chopped into small pieces.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is designed as an easy crockpot meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I add extra vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely, you can customize the stew by adding other vegetables like peas or celery.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 44g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this stew contain much sugar?
The recipe contains a small amount of sugar, totaling 3g per serving.
How much beef is needed for this recipe?
You will need between 1 and 2 pounds of beef stew meat cut into cubes.
Can I substitute the beef with another meat?
While it is a beef stew, you could use venison or other similar stewing meats as a substitute.
What is the recommended side dish for this stew?
It is highly recommended to serve this hot with some crusty bread.
How much fiber is in one serving?
There are 5g of fiber per serving.
Are there specific seasonings used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper to season the mixture.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before dicing?
Peeling is not explicitly required; you can leave the skin on or peel them based on your preference.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Can this be made on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stove for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this stew is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often improve the next day.
What makes this dish a comfort food?
The combination of hearty vegetables, tender meat, and a warm, savory broth provides a satisfying and nostalgic meal.
How are the ingredients layered in the crockpot?
Vegetables and sauces are mixed first, and the browned beef is placed on top before cooking.