Busy Woman'S Stew
A quick and hearty stew combining ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and soup, perfect for busy weeknights needing comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger meat with chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat and liquid from the cooked mixture.
- Add Ranch Style beans, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and minestrone soup to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes or longer to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or turkey. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Adding some spices like cumin or chili powder can enhance the flavor profile. Feel free to mix in vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad, such as a Betty Salad, to balance the richness. For a comforting twist, you might also enjoy it alongside cornbread or serve it topped with shredded cheese and sour cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Woman'S Stew contains roughly 713 calories, with 25g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1122mg per serving (49% 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 advance?
Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot throughout.
What can I use instead of minestrone soup?
If you don't have minestrone soup on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or another type of canned soup like tomato or vegetable soup. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain the flavor balance in the stew.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This stew is very versatile. You can add diced carrots, celery, or frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition. Just ensure that the additional vegetables are cooked until tender during the simmering stage to achieve a well-blended 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).