Campstove Stew And Dumplings
Campstove Stew and Dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish with savory beef, vegetables, and flavorful spices, topped with tender dumplings—perfect for outdoor or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef until light brown; drain excess fat.
- Add sliced onions, chopped cabbage, and diced celery; cook and stir until vegetables are light brown.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, kidney beans with liquid, water, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Heat the mixture to boiling.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer while preparing the dumpling dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the simmering stew.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding diced carrots or potatoes. If you're out of kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans work well as substitutes. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference; start with 1 teaspoon for mild flavor. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for added freshness. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside Cheesy Barbecue Wraps for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but cover the dish to retain moisture and prevent splattering.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Campstove Stew And Dumplings contains roughly 177 calories, with 11g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1833mg per serving (80% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare the stew as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use lentils or a mix of your favorite beans. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors of the substitute.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew is too watery, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stirring it into the stew. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Another option is to mash some of the beans to create a creamier texture.
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).