Ozark Mountain Stew
Ozark Mountain Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef, potatoes, and a blend of spices that evoke the rustic flavors of the Ozark region. Perfect for cold evenings, its rich tomato and chili notes create a comforting meal for family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, paprika, salt, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Dredge beef cubes in the flour mixture and brown in hot lard in a Dutch oven.
- Add sliced onions and minced garlic; cook until soft.
- Add canned tomatoes, 3 tablespoons chili powder, cinnamon, ground cloves, and crushed red pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
- Add chopped potatoes and carrots; cook until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the beef cubes overnight in a mixture of spices and a splash of vinegar. If you're out of lard, you can substitute with vegetable oil or butter. To thicken the stew further, add a splash of red wine or beef broth during cooking. Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference, keeping in mind that this stew is inspired by classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ozark Mountain Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Cool the stew completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ozark Mountain Stew contains roughly 1499 calories, with 26g protein, 189g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (168% of the Daily Value), iron (113% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1412mg per serving (61% 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 a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef with pork or chicken, but be mindful that cooking times may vary. If using chicken, opt for bone-in pieces for added flavor, and adjust seasoning to complement the different meats.
What can I add to make this stew more nutritious?
You can enhance the stew's nutritional value by adding more vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or even greens like spinach or kale. These will not only add color but also increase the fiber content of the dish.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the potatoes in the last hour of cooking.
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).