Hearty Oven-Braised Beef Stew
This oven-braised beef stew is the epitome of comfort food, delivering rich flavors and tender meat with minimal effort. With succulent beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory tomato base, it's a family favorite that'll warm your heart and soul. Simply prep it in the morning, let the oven work its magic for 5 1/2 hours, and come home to a delicious, ready meal. Serve it with fresh bread to soak up every last drop of this mouthwatering stew. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a big hug in a bowl!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced tomatoes
1 ((14 1/2 ounce) can, undrained)
Tomato juice
1 (cup)
Water
1 (cup)
Quick-cooking tapioca
2 (tablespoons)
Sugar
2 (teaspoons)
Salt
1 1/2 (teaspoons)
Pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
Beef stew meat
1 1/2 (lbs, cut into 1-inch squares)
Potatoes
4 (medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Celery ribs
1 1/2 (cut into 1/2-inch chunks)
Onion
1/2 (diced larger than normal)
Carrots
3 (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch chunks)
Bay leaf
1 ((optional, to be removed before serving))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2
In a 3-quart baking dish coated with non-stick cooking spray, combine the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato juice, water, quick-cooking tapioca, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3
Add the beef stew meat and all the diced vegetables (potatoes, celery, onion, and carrots) to the baking dish.
4
Stir all the ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
5
Optional: Add the bay leaf to the mixture.
6
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to trap moisture and flavor.
7
Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 5 1/2 hours.
8
Once done, carefully remove the bay leaf before serving.
9
Enjoy your hearty stew with crusty bread or a fresh salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cooking method for this beef stew?
The primary method is oven-braising, where the stew is cooked slowly in a covered dish at a low temperature.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 250°F (120°C).
How long does the Hearty Oven-Braised Beef Stew need to cook?
The stew needs to bake in the oven for a total of 5 1/2 hours.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 3-quart baking dish coated with non-stick cooking spray is required.
What type of beef should I use?
You should use 1 1/2 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch squares.
Why is tapioca included in the ingredients?
Quick-cooking tapioca is used as a thickening agent for the stew sauce as it braises.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, use one 14 1/2 ounce can of diced tomatoes undrained, including all the juices.
Is the bay leaf mandatory for this recipe?
The bay leaf is optional, but it should be removed before serving if you choose to use it.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The stew contains potatoes, celery, onion, and carrots.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Use 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
How should the carrots and celery be cut?
Both the carrots and celery ribs should be cut into 1/2-inch chunks.
What is the specific preparation for the onion?
The onion should be diced larger than normal to hold up during the long cooking process.
What liquid ingredients form the base of the stew?
The base consists of tomato juice, water, and the juice from the diced tomatoes.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the oven?
No, the instructions indicate adding the raw beef stew meat directly to the baking dish with the other ingredients.
How should the baking dish be covered during cooking?
The dish should be covered tightly with either aluminum foil or a lid to trap moisture.
What should I serve with this beef stew?
It is recommended to serve the stew with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of sugar.
What are the salt and pepper measurements?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including seasonings and optional items.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal because everything is combined and cooked in a single baking dish.
Is this a good meal for a busy morning?
Yes, you can prep it in the morning and let it cook for 5 1/2 hours so it is ready for dinner.
What is the texture of the meat after cooking?
The long, slow braising process results in succulent and tender beef.
Does the recipe include any oil?
The recipe uses non-stick cooking spray for the dish rather than liquid oil.
How much tomato juice is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of tomato juice.
Can I use regular tapioca instead of quick-cooking?
The recipe specifically calls for quick-cooking tapioca to ensure it dissolves and thickens correctly.
How much water is added to the mixture?
1 cup of water is added to the sauce mixture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
How many carrots are used?
The recipe uses 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks.
Is the onion diced finely?
No, the recipe specifies dicing the onion larger than normal.
Is there any preparation needed for the beef before adding it?
The beef should be cut into 1-inch squares.