Arkansas Stew
Arkansas Stew is a hearty, comforting dish with tender potatoes, cabbage, corn, and peas in a savory tomato base, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and drain the excess fat.
- In a large pan, combine water, cooked hamburger, chopped cabbage, sliced potatoes, canned corn, peas, and tomato sauce.
- Cook until the potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the hamburger for lentils or chickpeas. To enhance the flavor, add spices like paprika or garlic powder. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that canned ingredients like corn may already have added salt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arkansas Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside corn muffins or biscuits. This stew is also great for meal prep or family gatherings, offering a filling dish that appeals to many.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arkansas Stew contains roughly 1311 calories, with 40g protein, 286g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (637% of the Daily Value), protein (81% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2481mg per serving (108% 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 vegetables in Arkansas Stew?
Absolutely! You can customize the stew with your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers would all make great additions. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted so that all vegetables are tender by the end of the cooking process.
Is it possible to make Arkansas Stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the hamburger first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a delicious meal.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out too thick, simply stir in a bit more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add more canned vegetables or beans to help balance the texture without losing flavor.
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).