Contest-Winning Easy Oven Stew

Name: Contest-Winning Easy Oven Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 medium parsnips, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian stewed tomatoes; 1-1/2 cups beef broth; 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup quick-cooking tapioca; 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

Meet the Cook: Because I've never entered a recipe contest before, I hesitated before sending my stew in. I knew, though, it not only was so good but anybody could make it. You just throw the ingredients into a pot and stir! I've been cooking 40 years. My husband and I have one grown daughter. -Carol Smith, Stuart, Florida

Ingredients

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium parsnips, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian stewed tomatoes
1-1/2 cups beef broth
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

Directions

In a 5-qt. Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Cover and bake at 350° for 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 hours, or until the meat and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 230 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 401mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.

Originally published as Easy Oven Stew in Country Woman January/February 1995

Reviews

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Average Rating:

LeslieH

Jun 2, 2018

I have been making this stew since it first appeared in TOH. It is delicious and easy to make.
ChrisD1717

Dec 19, 2017

This stew was delicious and so easy to put together. I did use potatoes instead of parsnips. The flavor was great. Loved using the tapioca. When everything was cooked and tender, it was nice having the gravy made and incorporated into the stew. You really do have to stir it or it will stick to the pan as it thickens. Thanks for a great recipe.
Micele

Nov 24, 2016

Excellent dish no matter if you alter it to your family's taste or you stick to the recipe....this got rave reviews in my house...I too added potato,just out of personal preference.
lisa53202

Mar 10, 2014

Easy and good.
laroelfs

Jan 26, 2014

This was the first time I baked stew. It was delicious! I also added potatoes instead of parsnips. I added 2 cans of stewed tomatoes instead of one, and substituted a corn starch slurry for the tapioca. I don't like coffee, so I deleted the coffee granules. I used a prepared spaghetti seasoning in place of the individual seasonings. I was impressed at how tender the stew meat was.
germanycook

Jan 22, 2014

This is our new best stew recipe!I used potatoes instead of parsnips, added brussels sprouts and mushrooms, and it was SO good. No need to add extra salt or anything.
rganderson22

Dec 9, 2013

This is one of the best stew recipes I have tried. I used an equal amount of parsnips and potatoes. It was delicious!
afoth73

Oct 22, 2013

This is the BEST and EASIEST stew recipe ever! It turns out thick and hearty and is perfect for a snowy, cold day! I also substitute potatoes for parsnips because it is our personal preference. SO delicious!!
kimberlyfl

Mar 28, 2011

Taste wonderful and easy to make. I will make this many times again. Thank you.
Kathilee5

Jan 2, 2011

This is the ONLY beef stew recipe we use!