Crock-Pot Camp Stew
A hearty, comforting stew cooked in a crock-pot, combining ground meat, tomatoes, creamed corn, and tangy ketchup with a hint of lemon and spicy Tabasco. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors and easy preparation for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet and drain well.
- Add the cooked meat to the crock-pot along with the tomatoes, creamed corn, chopped onion, sliced lemon, ketchup, and Tabasco sauce.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the crock-pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon slices if desired, alongside tossed salad and crusty French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using diced bell peppers or celery in your stew. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a can of drained beans or use less liquid. Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef, but make sure to season well since it can be milder. Adjust the Tabasco sauce to your heat preference, and feel free to experiment with spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew hot, garnished with additional lemon slices for a refreshing touch. It pairs beautifully with a tossed salad and crusty French bread. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple pasta dish or a side of roasted vegetables. This stew is also delicious with a dollop of sour cream on top or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Camp Stew contains roughly 751 calories, with 19g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (231% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1210mg per serving (53% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones. Use about 4-5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need to add a bit of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may alter the cooking time slightly, so check for tenderness.
Can I make this stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this stew vegetarian, substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or a meat substitute product. You can also add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture. Ensure that your broth and other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
How do I adjust the cooking time for a larger batch?
If you're making a larger batch of this stew, you can still follow the same cooking times, but be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. If your crock-pot is filled to capacity, you may need to extend the cooking time by an hour or so, especially if you're cooking on low.
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).