Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes: Beef Stew – Black Foodie Finder

A Hearty Southern Beef Stew with Garden Vegetables

Beef Stew is a timeless Southern comfort meal featuring tender beef, potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, and carrots simmered together in a rich, savory broth. Slow cooking allows the vegetables to absorb the deep beef flavor, creating a filling one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners and cool evenings.

Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe celebrates the Southern tradition of transforming simple pantry staples into hearty, satisfying meals that bring family and friends together around the table.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef (cubed)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups tomatoes (cooked)
• 2 cups water
• 5 potatoes (quartered)
• 2 onions (quartered)
• 1 cup green beans
• 1/2 cup carrots

Serves: 5–7

Instructions

1. Brown the cubed beef in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
2. Season with the salt and pepper, then add the cooked tomatoes and water. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Cover the pot and simmer over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat and add the potatoes, onions, green beans, and carrots.
5. Cover and continue cooking for approximately 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
6. Remove the vegetables and meat from the broth.
7. Thicken the remaining cooking liquid with flour until it reaches your preferred consistency.
8. Return the meat and vegetables to the pot, stir well, and simmer for another 5 minutes before serving.

I’ll use this numbered format for every recipe from now on.

Closing Summary / Pro Tips

• A hearty one-pot Southern stew filled with beef and fresh vegetables.
• Browning the beef first builds a richer, deeper flavor.
• Adjust the gravy thickness by adding flour gradually.
• Serve with warm cornbread, biscuits, or crusty bread for a complete Southern meal.

About the Creator

Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.

Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.

Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.