Mom'S Ranch Stew
Mom's Ranch Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, vegetables, and beans, simmered to perfection. Its savory taste and comforting aroma make it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, served with cornbread, rolls, or crackers for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot, drain the fat.
- Add chopped onion and chopped bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add the drained whole kernel corn, Ranch Style beans, broken-up or mashed tomatoes, Ro-Tel, water, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for at least 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with cornbread, rolls, or crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or chickpeas. You can also use frozen corn instead of canned, and feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika to enhance the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew hot, accompanied by fresh cornbread or crusty rolls for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or your favorite crackers. For a twist, try serving it over rice or with tortilla chips for a fun presentation.
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, but be sure to cover them to avoid splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Ranch Stew contains roughly 413 calories, with 11g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1431mg per serving (62% 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 definitely adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the ground beef and vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for Ranch Style beans?
If you can't find Ranch Style beans, black beans or pinto beans make excellent alternatives. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the stew. This will maintain the flavor profile while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
Can I freeze Mom's Ranch Stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove until heated through.
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).