Baby Bear Stew
A hearty, vegetable-packed beef stew with tomato sauce and beans, perfect for comforting family dinners and encouraging kids to enjoy their vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large pot.
- Add the chopped celery, sliced carrots, sliced zucchini, chopped green pepper, tomato sauce, and stewed tomatoes to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 hour or more.
- Half an hour before serving, add the kidney beans to the stew.
- Serve as is or over hot, cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme and bay leaves to the stew. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a lighter option. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially with recipes like Aunt Lucy's Chili that may inspire you to add a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baby Bear Stew in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added color. It pairs beautifully with hot, cooked rice, which helps soak up the flavorful broth. Consider adding a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal. For a comforting twist, serve it alongside Izala's Meat Loaf for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Baby Bear Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baby Bear Stew contains roughly 1082 calories, with 48g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (166% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (133% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1207mg per serving (52% 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef and onion, transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans on hand, you can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each will add a different flavor and texture, but all will work well in this hearty stew. Just be sure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding.
Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of the beef juices and include a variety of beans for added protein. This will keep the stew filling and delicious without the meat.
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).