Frontier Stew
A hearty frontier stew combining ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a flavorful chili-spiced broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. celery ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 (32 oz.) can Ranch Style beans ⓘ
- 6 medium potatoes
- 3 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in bacon drippings, separating meat with a fork as it cooks.
- Add chopped onions, green bell pepper, garlic, and celery; cook until vegetables are soft.
- Add chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Add canned tomatoes with their liquid, breaking them up with a knife or the back of a spoon.
- Add canned corn, ranch style beans, cubed potatoes, and water.
- Bring to a boil, stirring well.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir occasionally during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the stew. If you're out of Ranch Style beans, you can substitute with any seasoned canned beans you have on hand. Using leftover cooked potatoes can also save time in preparing this hearty dish, similar to how you might prepare a Tater Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Frontier Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or shredded cheese for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This stew also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frontier Stew contains roughly 1011 calories, with 30g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (62% of the Daily Value), protein (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1790mg per serving (78% 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 a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef. You can also use cubed beef for a chunkier stew. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.
What if I don't have fresh vegetables?
No problem! You can use frozen vegetables instead, which will save prep time. Just add them to the pot during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to ensure they retain their texture and flavor.
Is this stew spicy?
The stew has a mild flavor primarily due to the chili powder. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or additional chili powder. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for a customized heat level.
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).