Camping Stew
A hearty and simple camping stew featuring ground beef and canned soups, perfect for outdoor gatherings and easy to customize with everyone’s favorite flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use enough ground beef to serve everyone in camp.
- Fry the ground beef over coals in a large pot until browned.
- Have each person in camp bring a can of soup and pour it into the pot.
- Do not use cream soups.
- Heat the stew until hot and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding chopped vegetables like carrots or potatoes. If you want to change up the flavor, try using different types of canned soup, such as vegetable or tomato, while avoiding cream soups. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef. Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the camping stew with crusty bread or crackers for a filling meal. A simple side salad or grilled corn on the cob pairs nicely, adding freshness to the dish. For those who enjoy beef recipes, this stew can also be made alongside Savory Steak Slices for a complete camping feast. Don't forget to provide bowls and utensils for easy serving around the campfire!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover camping stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Camping Stew contains roughly 4 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 frozen ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven browning and longer cooking times, so it's better to start with thawed meat for optimal results.
What types of canned soup are best for this stew?
Canned soups like minestrone, vegetable, or chicken noodle work wonderfully in this stew. Avoid cream-based soups as they can make the stew too rich. Feel free to mix and match different soups for varied flavors; just ensure they complement each other. Experimenting can lead to delightful new combinations!
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use a meat substitute like lentils or black beans for protein. You can also add more vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of canned soup. This will create a flavorful and hearty stew that everyone can enjoy, perfect for camping trips.
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).