Ground-Beef Stew With Cornmeal Dumplings
A hearty ground beef stew enriched with flavorful tomatoes, herbs, and topped with comforting cornmeal dumplings, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shape the ground beef into 4 large patties and fry in a heavy Dutch oven until rare or medium done.
- Drain off excess fat and break the patties into pieces in the pan.
- Add minced onion, minced bell pepper, and crushed garlic; sauté with the meat until limp.
- Add canned tomatoes, water, oregano, and cumin; simmer, breaking up chunks of tomatoes with the back of a spoon.
- While the stew cooks, prepare the cornmeal dumplings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef more thoroughly before adding the vegetables. If you don't have canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used as a substitute. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner dish, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ground-beef stew hot, topped with fluffy cornmeal dumplings, which can be made while the stew simmers. Pair the dish with crusty bread or a simple salad for a balanced meal. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it alongside Champagne Sherbet Punch for a delightful contrast.
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 stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If freezing, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground-Beef Stew With Cornmeal Dumplings contains roughly 1120 calories, with 32g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1082mg per serving (47% 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 for this stew?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for different meats to ensure they are fully cooked.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in while the stew simmers. Alternatively, let it simmer uncovered for a while longer to reduce the liquid naturally.
What can I add to make the stew more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value of your stew, consider adding chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers. You can also stir in some leafy greens like spinach or kale just before serving to add fiber and vitamins without altering the flavor significantly.
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).