Monkey Stew
A hearty and comforting stew with ground beef, vegetables, and creamy soups, layered with potatoes, celery, and cabbage—perfect for a filling family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger with the chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add the vegetable soup and cream of mushroom soup to the browned meat and onion mixture.
- In a casserole dish, layer sliced potatoes, chopped celery, and chopped cabbage.
- Pour the hamburger and soup mixture over the layered vegetables.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the hamburger while browning. If you don't have vegetable soup, you can substitute it with beef broth and a mix of your favorite vegetables. For a heartier version, add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips, or even try incorporating elements from American recipes like a splash of BBQ sauce for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Monkey Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as Fresh Broccoli And Bacon Salad, to add a refreshing crunch. You can also offer pickles or hot sauce on the side for a tangy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely to prevent drying out, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monkey Stew contains roughly 592 calories, with 9g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (32% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 instead of hamburger?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even diced beef can be used as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time if you're using larger pieces of meat. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or plant-based meat substitutes to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
What can I do if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts of sour cream and milk with sautéed mushrooms and a bit of flour for thickness. Alternatively, using a can of condensed cream of chicken soup works well too.
Can I prepare Monkey Stew ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers of vegetables and the hamburger mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply combine and follow the baking instructions. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights!
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).