Easy Vegetable Stew
A hearty and comforting vegetable stew with tender meatballs, potatoes, and savory vegetable broth, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shape the ground hamburger into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place the meatballs into boiling salted water.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the water and meatballs.
- Cook for 35 minutes over low heat.
- Add the canned vegetable stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped onions, garlic, or your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you want a meatless option, substitute the hamburger with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Experimenting with seasonal vegetables can also enhance the stew's taste and nutrition. For a thicker stew, you can mash a portion of the potatoes before adding the canned vegetable stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vegetable stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad, such as Norma'S Broccoli Salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over rice or with a side of cornbread. This stew is also great for meal prep, making it a perfect lunch option for busy days.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover vegetable stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Vegetable Stew contains roughly 953 calories, with 26g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), potassium (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 505mg per serving (22% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in place of fresh potatoes. Just add them to the boiling water at the same time as the meatballs to ensure they cook evenly. Keep in mind that frozen vegetables may release more water, so adjust the seasoning as needed.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add spice to your stew, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy sausage instead of hamburger for a kick. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
What can I use instead of canned vegetable stew?
If you don't have canned vegetable stew, you can create your own by combining diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and vegetable broth. Add seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to mimic the flavors of the canned version. This homemade option allows for more customization.
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).