Mary'S Quick Stew
A hearty, comforting stew with ground beef, vegetables, and tomato sauce, perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering. Rich flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground hamburger in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, and parsley; simmer until the onion and pepper are clear.
- Add tomato sauce, sliced carrots, sliced potatoes, and salt to the mixture.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce while browning the hamburger. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the stew's taste. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last simmer. This dish is great for using up leftover vegetables as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mary’s Quick Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a fulfilling meal. A simple side salad, like Fairy Dusted Spinach Salad, pairs well and adds freshness. For an extra kick, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cheese on top. This stew also goes wonderfully with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until hot. This stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Quick Stew contains roughly 958 calories, with 44g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (207% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (150% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2311mg per serving (100% 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 vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh sliced carrots and potatoes can be used instead of canned ones. Just make sure to cook them longer so they become tender. You may need to add a little extra water or broth to the stew to compensate for the moisture from the canned vegetables.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce during cooking. Adjust the spice level to your preference, but start with small amounts and increase gradually to avoid overwhelming the other flavors.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground hamburger and replace it with plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also enhance the flavor with vegetable broth instead of water for a hearty vegetarian stew.
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).