What else should I add to my beef stew?

Question

My ma gave me this recipe for beef stew, I love stew but I want to add some more, healthful ingredients to it:
-1 lb beef
-3 carrots
-2 celery stalks
-5 potatoes
-Envelope of lipton onion soup mix
-Can of cream of mushroom soup
-Can of beef broth
-Salt & Pepper

So far, the only things I can think of adding to my ma's recipe is some sesame seed oil (good unsaturated fats), peas, maybe some type of bean? I dunno, what do you think?

Great ideas, thanks to everyone.

Here's how I cook it as some of you seem to be wondering:
1. Brown beef in small batches (I'm gonna do this in my cast iron skillet, and smother the beef cubes in the sesame seed oil instead of adding it to the beef)
2. Mix together mushroom soup, beef broth and onion soup mix.
3. Pour over beef and add cut up vegetables and pepper (I'm gonna omit the salt as the one dude pointed out - lots of soduim in the soups)
4. Bake in large covered pot @ 300 degrees for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. (I don't have a slow cooker but when my ma makes it this way it has always come out great)

Answer 1

Some barley cooked in the broth would be good, or some green beans would be delicious, too. You can add left-over vegetables such as corn or peas for more nutritional value, and diced tomatoes give beef stew a nice flavor. Don't forget to experiment with fresh herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, minced garlic, etc.

Be careful if you're using dried and cooked beans such as Navy or white because sometimes their flavor can be overpowering. Try a bite of them with a little stew mixed in to see how they will affect the overall taste.

Answer 2

I think it would be a lot healthier without the soups. Have you checked the label on soup cans and seen the high level of sodium in the soup?

The Lipton onion soup mix is the same. High in sodium. And then you want to add salt??

Be selective when you buy the beef broth. Do not buy Campbell's.

Add some quarters of cabbage and use a larger hunk of beef. Chuck roast is about the cheapest cut of beef. It needs to be trimmed and cut into chunks. If you throw a couple of tea bags in the pot with it, the tannic acid will tenderize the meat and it will taste like stew beef.

Answer 3

It sounds good! What about adding some barley? The only other things I would think to add is onions and tomatoes, but I am not sure how the tomatoes would taste with the mushroom soup.

Answer 4

Mmmmm, stew! I make mine in the pressure cooker. WOW! Fast and easy. to what you listed, I'd also add some frozen corn. Onions, garlic, a can of tomatoes, green beans. Salt, pepper and celery salt. Enjoy!

Answer 5

Try sweet potatoes or yams whatever you want to call it. The sweet taste with the savory meat taste great. My grandma puts sweet potatoes in all her stews and soups along with regular potatoes. It is really good with chicken soup.

Answer 6

My uncle makes a similar beef stew and he added fresh from the garden green beans. It was tasty!

Answer 7

A cup of baby peas or green beans & some fresh or frozen white corn. Don't forget the cornbread!!

Answer 8

If you're allowed to, add a half can dark ale/beer...this gives it a nice rich flavour & is not unhealthy. Otherwise try & use fresh onions (instead of the packet) at the start. & yea, a little chopped tomato (during) & even tinned butter beans (near the end of cooking). & use cracked black pepper if you can....
happy cooking!

Answer 9

Green beans, diced tomatos, chopped onions, garlic and some Italian seasoning.

Answer 10

I would add:
Pumpkin
Peas
Corn kernels

And you wouldn't believe the difference a Bay Leaf can make to a stew / casserole. Just don't forget to remove it before serving!