Alabama Stew
A hearty Southern-style stew featuring ground beef, potatoes, corn, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners and flavorful enough to serve with cornbread or crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in the bottom of a stew pot.
- Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces and place on top of the ground beef.
- Add all other ingredients: cream-style corn, tomatoes, onions, catsup, English peas, and water.
- Cook until potatoes are done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of regular ground beef. You can also substitute the English peas with frozen mixed vegetables for added variety. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few of the cooked potatoes and stir them back into the pot. This dish is similar in heartiness to Nana's Hearty Beef Stew, making it a comforting option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Alabama Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple side salad or coleslaw. It also complements other hearty American recipes like Spoonburgers or Sour Cream Potato Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alabama Stew contains roughly 1059 calories, with 24g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), potassium (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat in this stew?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a more robust flavor, try using a blend of meats like beef and pork. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the meat used.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Depending on the size of your potato pieces, this may take about 20-30 minutes of cooking. If you find the potatoes are taking longer, you can cover the pot to help them cook through faster.
Can I freeze Alabama Stew?
Yes, Alabama Stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).