Hi friends! The east coast just got a boatload of snow this past weekend. And Poor Man’s Beef Stew makes a wonderfully quick and easy bowlful to savor on a snowy day. Or any winter day. The magic of this tender beef stew recipe is you don’t have to brown the stew meat first. I know, it’s hard to believe. And it’s such an incredible timesaver. Amazingly, the stew meat cooks for just two hours and turns out fork tender, scout’s honor.
Just imagine coming in after shoveling or a wicked snowball fight to a bowl of this steaming deliciousness. Hope you’re having fun and enjoying the snow if you got some, though I know it’s a lot of work for the shovelers. Somehow New Hampshire got by-passed on the white stuff this time around. And call me crazy, but I’m just a little disappointed to miss out on a mandatory hibernation. Hint: I’m always looking for an excuse to stay in. (Thinking of the the blizzard of ’78! Remember?)
So as I mentioned, the really amazing thing about this Poor Man’s Beef Stew is you don’t brown the meat first. Nope. Saves a lot of time and mess. I have another stew recipe here on the blog, New England Beef Stew. You brown the stew meat first for that recipe. I really do love that stew, but browning the meat first before putting it in the slow cooker is a time consuming step. You’re going to be amazed at how tender and flavorful the beef and veggies are in this Poor Man’s Beef Stew that cooks for only two hours in the oven. It’s nothing short of a miracle.
The flavorful gravy comes together effortlessly with some surprise ingredients: quick cooking tapioca, diced tomatoes and cubed bread. I know I know. Crazy. Crazy good!
Poor Man’s Beef Stew is a great beef stew recipe when you’re craving homemade beef stew but don’t have all day to wait for it in the slow cooker or oven. Or if you don’t have time to get it going first thing. I love beef stew in fall and winter, hope you do too!
Poor Man's Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 cans 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups water
- 6 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds lean beef stew meat cut into 1" cubes
- 4 medium carrots cut into chunks (or one 16-ounce bag baby carrots)
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and cut into eighths
- 8 ounces baby button fresh mushrooms washed and sliced or left whole
- 1 medium onion cut into chunks
- 2 slices bread cubed
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, water, tapioca, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Add remaining ingredients, mix well.
- Pour into a greased Dutch oven or 4 quart baking dish.
- Cover tightly with lid or foil and bake at 375° for 1 3/4 to 2 hours, or until meat and vegetables are fork tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve in bowls.
You may also like: Chicken Scampi
Linda | Brunch-n-Bites says
What a comforting dish! This stew is perfect for any blizzard cold days.
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
I can’t believe the blizzard left you all out–that is a bummer to be so close and not be hit. Regardless, this is just the kind of food blizzards call for 🙂
Melissa says
This is the ultimate comfort food. I would so love to be enjoying a bowl right now, while look at all the snow on the ground!
nancy mcmahan says
One of out staples for winter. Will give this one a try.
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
Sounds so delicious! I love a good hearty stew – it really warms the soul. (Snow or no snow, though we did get some and were definitely house-bound over the weekend.) Love how quick and easy this one is – great for those days when you didn’t get a chance to start something in the morning but still are craving those amazing beefy stew flavors!
Aunt Pinkie says
Looks sooo good-can’t wait to try it! Love ‘easy’ cooking! 🙂
Barbara Child says
Great idea!
Manila Spoon says
Once I have tried and eaten this delicious and hearty stew I am certain I would feel quite rich and very happy! Looks very appetizing and would enjoy this a lot with rice! Yum!
Ramona W says
Yes.. SNOW!! It’s become a real four letter word in my neighborhood as we dig out of 2 1/2 feet of the stuff that landed in my parts. I could seriously use a big bowl of this comforting and delicious looking stew between heading out to dig and shovel. 🙂
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Haha – Allie – I abhor the cold, but I am ALWAYS hoping for at least one or two snow days so I have an excuse to stay in too! Now my daughter doesnt frolic in the white stuff like she used too – so I really get to stay in and do NOTHING – and that can be so blissful sometimes! But, I have a conundrum, am not a fan of cooking beef – though I would eat it if someone else made it – and I’m thinking as much as I abhor the snow, I would trudge over to your place to get me a bowl of this – it looks so thick and hearty – must be those cubed bread pieces!
Tracy says
Another awesome recipe from THLG!! Real comfort food. You feel so good after eating a bowl of beef stew on a cold winter day! I really am excited about trying this with the tapioca and cubed bread. If you are posting it I know it’s good!! And yes, I know what you mean about missing out on a mandatory hibernation! Don’t worry we will most definitely have that opportunity soon!!! ?
Catherine says
Allie, this is just what the doctor ordered!! I would love a bowl of this…sounds like a perfect winter remedy. This winter is brutal and left me ready to head off to Florida! However, even I must confess, I did enjoy the reprieve and having a couple of days to hibernate was nice….shoveling the next two days afterwards, not so much! Stay warm. xoxo, Catherine
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
What an awesome and comfy looking stew, Allie. Homemade ones are the best! Love this is so easy too. Some steaming hot rice would go well with the deliciousness. 🙂 Looks so good, can’t wait to try it!
Sheree says
Ever done this stew in the crockpot? Wondering about settings and time?
Allie says
Hi Sheree, you know I haven’t tried that yet. My guess would be to try on high for 4-6 hours…it cooks in the oven at 375° which is a pretty high temp, which is why I think the meat doesn’t need to be seared first. I will definitely try it in the slow cooker soon and reply back to this comment to let you know what happened. I am curious myself. Many thanks for dropping by.
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
I didn’t get much snow either, about 4 inches. I’m not a huge fan of snow when it’s just a little bit. If we’re getting snow, I want ALL THE SNOW like last winter.
Sherri @ Watch Learn Eat says
This stew looks incredible Allie! And I really, really love the plating! Beautiful! Oh, and we got plenty of that white stuff here. 🙂
Melanie @ Melanie Cooks says
What a great recipe, this stew is a true comfort food! I agree, browning the meat is such a waste of time 🙂 This recipe would work well in a slow cooker too!
Laura @MotherWouldKnow says
It’s been so cold and snowy around here, this stew sounds perfect. I’m a bit dubious about the “no browning” part when it comes to the meat, but I’m intrigued enough to try it. As Melanie said, this would be great in a slow cooker.
Allie says
Hi Laura, you got all the snow!!! I so appreciate your honesty, and I too was dubious about the “no browning” part. My mom made this recipe first, and it comes from an old friend of hers who has made it for years. Anyway, she invited my mom over for lunch and my mom’s been talking about the recipe ever since. I was amazed how tender the beef was. Such an easy recipe. Thank you for dropping by!
Mandi Korn says
Looks yummy, my husband loves Beef Stew, so thanks for sharing. I also love the bowls that you served them in, where did you get them?
Allie says
Hi Mandy, many thanks for dropping by. This bowl is one of a kind, made by a local Sister of Mercy nun named Regina. She makes pottery, has her own show and sells it once a year. I love it too! The color is amazing. Hope you and your family enjoy this stew. Thanks so much for dropping by.
Adina says
It looks so delicious, I love a good stew. How could I replace tapioca, I could never find it around here?
Allie says
Hi Adina, thank you so much. You can substitute the 6 tablespoons of tapioca with 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed smooth in a little water, added to the remaining gravy ingredients. Or do the same with 3 tablespoons potato starch. Or with an equal amount (6 tablespoons) of flour. Each of those substitutions should be mixed with water until they’re a smooth paste and then added to the gravy mixture. Sure hope you enjoy this recipe, and have a beautiful weekend!
Eva says
This is what I need for my lunch today !! I’m already hungry ! Il pareil tellement bon ton plat Allie ! xxoo
Carina says
Dear Allie, this looks like a perfect meal for one of our cold winter evenings. I love that you don’t need to brown the meat first – saving time and dishes – ideal. A lovely comfort food, we’ll be serving it up around here soon! Thanks for sharing! Xo
Kellie says
Your blog is quickly becoming my go to for yumminess 😉 Once again, my family loved this recipe!!