Depression Stew
A hearty, comforting beef stew with tender vegetables and rich tomato flavor, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings, offering simple ingredients and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the tomato soup and water in a bowl.
- Cut potatoes, carrots, and onion into chunks.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Drain off the grease from the cooked meat.
- Place the browned meat in a Dutch oven and layer the vegetables on top.
- Pour the tomato soup mixture over the layered ingredients.
- Bake in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding peas or corn to the mix. If you're short on time, use pre-chopped frozen vegetables. You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative to cater to different dietary preferences. Experimenting with spices like garlic powder or paprika can enhance the flavor profile as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting stew with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream on top can add creaminess and enhance flavors. It pairs beautifully with Meat Loaf Florentine(Low-Fat) for a classic American dinner. For a heartier feast, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Depression Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove over low heat or microwave in individual servings until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Depression Stew contains roughly 2359 calories, with 68g protein, 322g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (218% of the Daily Value), and protein (137% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1573mg per serving (68% 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 other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the meat you choose, ensuring it is cooked through before mixing with the vegetables.
What if I don't have tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Just add a bit of seasoning to mimic the flavor of tomato soup, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of sugar.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make Depression Stew in a slow cooker, brown the meat first, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
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).