Fontenot Stew
Fontenot Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, potatoes, and onions in a savory gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground chuck and oil and fry until browned; add salt.
- Add flour, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and pepper.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Add water and cook for another 20 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water. If you're in a pinch, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground chuck. To thicken the stew further, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour mixed with a bit of water before adding it to the pot. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fontenot Stew hot over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Pan Fries for a hearty side dish. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it to prevent splatters, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fontenot Stew contains roughly 809 calories, with 11g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 538mg per serving (23% 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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the ground chuck and onions in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Adjust the liquid as needed since slow cookers retain moisture.
Is there a way to make this stew spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
What should I do if I want to make this a vegetarian dish?
You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by replacing the ground chuck with a plant-based substitute like lentils or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor, and ensure the flour is suitable for your diet.
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).