Hearty Dried Beef Chowder
A hearty, comforting dried beef chowder with creamy potatoes and sweet corn, perfect for chilly evenings and hearty appetites, delivering savory and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour hot water over the hash brown potatoes; let stand for 10 minutes.
- Melt margarine in a large pan.
- Add flour to the melted margarine, then gradually stir in milk.
- Drain the soaked potatoes and rinse them.
- Stir the potatoes, corn with liquid, dried beef, salt, lemon pepper, and celery salt into the milk mixture.
- Heat the chowder until hot, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar, to the chowder just before serving. If dried beef is unavailable, you can substitute with cooked diced ham or turkey for a different flavor. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if using salted versions of beef. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to incorporate leftover vegetables for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Aunt Beth'S Brown Rice, which complements the flavors wonderfully and adds wholesome grains to your plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much in the fridge, you can add a splash of milk during reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Dried Beef Chowder contains roughly 1727 calories, with 32g protein, 224g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (82% of the Daily Value), protein (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2737mg per serving (119% 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 fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply peel and dice them into small cubes, then parboil them until tender before adding them to the chowder. This will give you a heartier texture, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is cooked evenly.
How can I make this chowder vegetarian?
To make this chowder vegetarian, simply omit the dried beef and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture, making it a hearty dish without the meat.
Can I freeze the chowder?
While you can freeze the chowder, it's best to do so before adding the milk. Freeze the base of the chowder, then when ready to serve, thaw and reheat it, adding milk at the end to maintain its creamy texture. This will help prevent separation and ensure a better quality upon reheating.
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).