Mom's Tender Beef Stew
This irresistible beef stew recipe has been passed down from my mom and has become a family favorite. It's incredibly simple to prepare, yet delivers rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that everyone will love. The combination of French onion and cream of mushroom soups creates a luscious gravy that envelops the juicy stew meat as it cooks, infusing it with flavor. Perfectly served over fluffy steamed rice or hearty noodles, this dish is a nostalgic hug in a bowl, ideal for a cozy family dinner or meal prep. Plus, it easily doubles or triples, making it perfect for gatherings or for freezing for busy nights.
4
Servings
200
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stew meat
1 lb (already cut up)
French onion soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounce) (undiluted)
cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounce) (undiluted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a 2 1/2 qt casserole dish, mix together the undiluted French onion soup and cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
3
Add the raw beef stew meat to the casserole dish, ensuring that all pieces are fully submerged in the soup mixture. This will help the meat brown and cook evenly.
4
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
5
Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender.
6
Once cooked, serve the stew over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal.
7
For meal prep, consider making extra and freeze portions for easy reheating on busy nights.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mom's Tender Beef Stew?
It is a simple, rich, and nostalgic beef stew recipe made with French onion and cream of mushroom soups that creates a luscious gravy.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are 1 lb of beef stew meat, one can of French onion soup, and one can of cream of mushroom soup.
How long does the stew take to cook?
The stew needs to bake in the oven for a total of 3 hours.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Should the soups be diluted before mixing?
No, the French onion and cream of mushroom soups should be used undiluted.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 2 1/2 quart casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
Do I need to brown the beef before baking?
No, the raw beef stew meat is added directly to the casserole dish without prior browning.
How should the meat be positioned in the dish?
The meat should be fully submerged in the soup mixture to ensure it browns and cooks evenly.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, the casserole dish should be covered with a lid or aluminum foil during the 3-hour baking process.
What can I serve with this beef stew?
It is best served over fluffy steamed rice or hearty noodles, paired with a simple salad.
Is this beef stew recipe freezable?
Yes, this dish is ideal for freezing and can be stored in portions for easy reheating on busy nights.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it is simple to make and reheats well.
Can I scale this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, the recipe easily doubles or triples, making it perfect for family gatherings.
What creates the gravy for the stew?
The combination of the two soups creates a thick, flavorful gravy as the meat cooks.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 12.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the stew?
This recipe provides 15 grams of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Based on the nutritional facts provided, there is no fiber in this specific recipe.
What preparation is needed for the beef?
The recipe calls for stew meat that is already cut into bite-sized pieces.
What is the texture of the meat after cooking?
The meat becomes incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth after 3 hours of baking.
Can I use aluminum foil if I don't have a lid?
Yes, aluminum foil is a perfectly acceptable alternative to a casserole lid.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a Stew.
Are there any specific soup brands mentioned?
While no brands are specified, it requires standard 10 3/4 ounce cans of soup.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is described as incredibly simple to prepare with very few steps.
What kind of flavor profile does it have?
It has a rich, savory flavor infused with onion and mushroom notes.
Can I serve this over noodles?
Yes, hearty noodles are a recommended serving option.
Is this recipe a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is a family favorite described as a nostalgic hug in a bowl.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Mix the undiluted soups together in the casserole dish first, then stir in the meat.