Nebraska Stew Via Depression Era(Aunt Ruth'S Mother-In-Law)

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Hearty Nebraska Stew features rich beef flavors combined with fresh vegetables and tomatoes, perfect for comforting family meals or cold weather gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 or 2 lb. hamburger
  • 1 cube beef bouillon
  • 2 qt. water
  • 1 or 2 large onions
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 4 to 5 carrots
  • 4 to 5 potatoes
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 large can stewed tomatoes
  • 1 large can tomato juice
  • 1/2 small cabbage
  • 4 celery stalks

Instructions

  1. Cook hamburger and beef bouillon in 2 quarts of water. Cool and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Remove fat from the cooled mixture and discard.
  3. In a stew pot, add stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, onions, and garlic. Cook while preparing the rest of the vegetables.
  4. Add carrots, potatoes, green pepper, celery, and cabbage to the stew. Cook until vegetables are tender, adding cabbage last as it cooks quickly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the stew. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger if you prefer a leaner option. If you don't have beef bouillon, vegetable broth works well. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition, similar to what's found in Lizzie'S Meat Balls With Corn And Green Peppers.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty Nebraska Stew is perfect served with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside a slice of cornbread or with a dollop of sour cream on top. Explore more American recipes for delightful meal ideas.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover the bowl to prevent splatters and heat in intervals to ensure even warming.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nebraska Stew Via Depression Era(Aunt Ruth'S Mother-In-Law) contains roughly 613 calories, with 14g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (285% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

613 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14g 28% DV
Total Fat 16.7g 21% DV
Carbs 106.6g 39% DV
Fiber 21.4g 76% DV
Sugar 40.4g 81% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 828.4mg 36% DV
Potassium 2830.5mg 60% DV
Cholesterol 5.3mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2568.6mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 125.4mg 100% DV
Calcium 238.9mg 18% DV
Iron 5.7mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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?

Absolutely! This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving. It's a great make-ahead dish for busy days or gatherings.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this stew, substitute the hamburger with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. Use vegetable bouillon instead of beef bouillon and replace the water with vegetable broth. You can also add beans for additional protein and texture.

What can I do if the stew is too thick?

If your stew turns out too thick, simply add a bit more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to incorporate the liquid and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed, especially if you've added extra liquid.

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).

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