Savory Slow-Baked Beef Stew
Indulge in the warmth of this Savory Slow-Baked Beef Stew, a dish that embodies comfort and convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe combines tender beef stew meat with a medley of vibrant vegetables like celery, carrots, and potatoes. The rich flavors of tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce meld together beautifully as the stew bakes slowly in the oven, creating a hearty meal that's sure to please everyone. While it’s fantastic as is, serving it over fluffy brown rice or warm cornbread adds a delightful touch and makes for a satisfying dinner experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stew meat
3 lbs (cubed)
celery
4 (ribs, chopped)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
carrots
10 (chopped)
potatoes
6 medium (cut into 1 inch cubes)
tomato sauce
14 ounces (canned)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously spray a large casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2
In the prepared casserole dish, combine the beef stew meat, chopped celery, onion, carrots, and potatoes. Pour in the can of tomato sauce and add the Worcestershire sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to evenly coat the ingredients with the sauce.
3
Cover the casserole dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.
4
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 3.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to become fork-tender.
5
Once finished, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps intensify the flavors. Enjoy your savory stew alone or over a bed of brown rice or cornbread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow-Baked Beef Stew?
It is a hearty, comfort-food dish featuring tender beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, and celery slow-baked in a rich tomato and Worcestershire sauce.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of beef stew meat, typically cubed from chuck or round cuts which become tender during the long baking process.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for the best results.
How long does the stew need to bake?
The stew should bake for approximately 3.5 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become fork-tender.
Do I need to brown the beef before baking?
No, this recipe is designed for convenience; you simply combine the raw cubed beef with the other ingredients in the casserole dish and bake.
What vegetables are included in this stew?
This recipe uses 4 ribs of celery, 1 medium onion, 10 carrots, and 6 medium potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly over the 3.5-hour baking period.
What kind of sauce provides the base for the stew?
A 14-ounce can of tomato sauce combined with 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce creates the savory base.
Should the casserole dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly listed, the use of 3 lbs of meat and 16 total vegetables typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, generously spray a large casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The stew is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is there a resting period after cooking?
Yes, let the stew stand for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to help intensify the flavors.
What can I serve with this beef stew?
It is delicious on its own, but also pairs perfectly over fluffy brown rice or with warm cornbread.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is ready when it is 'fork-tender,' meaning it easily breaks apart when pressed with a fork.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-pot (or one-dish) meal as everything is combined and baked in a single casserole dish.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe specifies celery, carrots, and potatoes, you can easily customize it by adding peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What size should the carrots be?
The recipe calls for 10 carrots to be chopped into bite-sized pieces.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
Use 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce to add depth and umami to the stew.
Can I use a Dutch oven?
Yes, a Dutch oven is an excellent choice for this recipe as it retains heat well and usually has a tight-fitting lid.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, because it requires very little active prep time; most of the work is done hands-off in the oven.
What type of onion should I use?
A medium yellow or white onion, chopped, works best for this savory flavor profile.
Does the recipe require any liquid other than tomato sauce?
The moisture comes from the 14 ounces of tomato sauce and the natural juices released by the meat and vegetables as they bake.
How much beef stew meat is required?
You will need 3 pounds of beef stew meat.
What is the prep order for the ingredients?
Combine the beef and vegetables first, then pour over the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce, then season and stir.
Is the salt and pepper amount specific?
No, they should be added 'to taste' to suit your personal preference.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh vegetables are recommended for the long baking time, but frozen carrots could be used if necessary.
Why is the baking time so long?
The 3.5-hour duration at a lower temperature ensures that tougher cuts of stew meat become tender and flavorful.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, beef stew often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop in the refrigerator.
How many celery ribs are used?
The recipe uses 4 ribs of celery, chopped.