Mountain Stew
A hearty, flavorful mountain stew featuring ground beef, beans, and a tangy catsup base, perfect for comforting family dinners and outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the hamburger until browned.
- Drain the grease from the cooked hamburger.
- Add salt to taste and dice the small onion.
- Cook the onion with the meat until tender.
- Add kidney beans and pork and beans to the mixture.
- Stir in 1/2 cup catsup.
- Optional: add 1 to 2 tablespoons mustard for a different flavor.
- Serve the stew with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding diced bell peppers or carrots. You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you enjoy a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. The catsup can be replaced with barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile, which pairs beautifully with the beans in this Mountain Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mountain Stew in bowls topped with additional catsup if desired, and pair it with a side of crackers for crunch. It also goes well with a simple salad or a slice of cornbread to soak up the flavors. For a comforting meal, consider serving alongside a Broiled Cheese Sandwich for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely to prevent splatter. This dish also freezes well, lasting up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mountain Stew contains roughly 1472 calories, with 46g protein, 201g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), iron (93% of the Daily Value), and protein (91% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 advance?
Yes, Mountain Stew can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. If you plan to freeze it, make sure to leave out the crackers until serving time to keep them crisp.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If you don’t have kidney beans on hand, feel free to substitute with black beans or pinto beans. Each type will add its own unique flavor and texture to the stew, ensuring that it remains delicious and satisfying.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the hamburger and onion first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.
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).