Fast Vagabond Stew
A quick and hearty stew combining ground meat, beans, corn, potatoes, and tomatoes, perfect for a flavorful, filling meal that comes together in minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble the ground beef or chicken into a hard, plastic colander.
- Set the crumbled meat in a 4-quart simmer pot.
- Microwave on High for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring once, then discard excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked meat to the simmer pot.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix.
- Add the drained green beans, undrained stewed tomatoes, and drained corn to the pot.
- Place the small whole potatoes around the outside of the stew in the pot.
- Microwave on High for 8 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, you can use pre-cooked ground meat. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor, and consider using low-sodium canned vegetables to control the salt content. This stew can also be spiced up with a dash of hot sauce or additional garlic if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fast Vagabond Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A side salad or some corn muffins can complement it well. This stew pairs beautifully with the 6 Layer Dinner for a comforting family meal. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly. For longer storage, consider freezing the stew in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fast Vagabond Stew contains roughly 676 calories, with 21g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1565mg 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 frozen vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be substituted for canned ones. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen veggies may require a few extra minutes to heat through. This can add a fresh taste to your stew while also increasing its nutritional value.
Is it possible to make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare this stew a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. It’s a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I do if I want a thicker stew?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last minute of cooking. Alternatively, let the stew simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
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).