Mrs. Dukes' Ground Beef And Vegetable Stew
A hearty ground beef and vegetable stew featuring tender potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes, seasoned with fresh basil. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the onions, garlic, hot water, basil, salt, pepper, and potatoes.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the green peppers and tomatoes.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until all ingredients are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding carrots or celery to the mix. If you're short on fresh basil, dried basil works well but use less since it's more concentrated. You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand. This stew can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with a slice of crusty Hearty Multi-Grain Bread(Makes 3 Loaves) for a complete meal. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables would complement the dish nicely. For an extra kick, consider topping with grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream. It also pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a damp paper towel, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Dukes' Ground Beef And Vegetable Stew contains roughly 1419 calories, with 38g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1663mg per serving (72% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in place of fresh ones. Just be sure to add them during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. Frozen green beans or peas would be great additions that can be added directly from the freezer.
How can I make this stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch, which will help increase the stew's thickness. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew, cooking for a few minutes until it thickens.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and onions first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until everything is tender and flavorful.
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).