Early American Stew
A hearty early American stew featuring tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and ground beef, simmered to develop rich flavors perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground round steak in a skillet with 2 tablespoons oil.
- Place all other ingredients in a 1-gallon steel cooker.
- Add browned meat to the cooker and bring to a full boil.
- Turn down the fire to simmer.
- Cook for 1 hour.
- Stir 4 times during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some thyme to the stew. You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned ones if fresh are not available. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes before serving. Using lean ground beef helps keep the dish light, but feel free to swap with ground turkey for a healthier option. This stew pairs wonderfully with Sourdough Rolled Biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Early American Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This hearty dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple Homestead Salad for a balanced meal. You could also accompany it with a side of roasted vegetables or enjoy it alongside a slice of Claude Dodson's Peach Cobbler for a comforting dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Early American Stew contains roughly 1876 calories, with 155g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (311% of the Daily Value), iron (131% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2094mg per serving (91% 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 different types of meat in this stew?
Absolutely! While ground round is traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, cubed beef or pork can add a different texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if using larger pieces.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat in a skillet first, then transfer it along with the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a deliciously tender stew.
How can I make this stew vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of this stew, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for additional flavor and texture. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan recipe without sacrificing taste.
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).