Quick Golden Stew
A hearty, comforting ham and vegetable stew with creamy celery flavor and cheesy richness, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying a family craving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine carrots, potatoes, onions and just enough water to cover.
- Cook, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add peas and ham; continue to cook 5 more minutes.
- Drain water.
- Stir in cream of celery soup and process cheese spread.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cut frozen vegetables instead of fresh. You can substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor. If you prefer a thicker stew, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water before adding the cheese spread. This recipe can also be adjusted by adding spices like thyme or garlic for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice for a comforting dinner. Consider serving it alongside a light dessert, like fruit salad, to balance the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Golden Stew contains roughly 864 calories, with 18g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1150mg per serving (50% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this stew can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Is it possible to make the stew vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ham with extra vegetables or canned beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water and replace the cream of celery soup with a plant-based alternative to create a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of mustard can also add depth to the taste.
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).