Quick Meat Stew
A quick, hearty meat stew with rich flavors from browned meat and savory vegetable soup, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the diced meat in margarine and flour.
- Add the vegetable soup to the browned meat.
- Cook until the mixture thickens and the meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef or lamb instead of the diced meat you have on hand. If you're out of margarine, butter or olive oil works just as well. To thicken your stew more quickly, you can add a cornstarch slurry instead of flour. Additionally, feel free to incorporate your favorite herbs like thyme or bay leaves for extra depth, which would enhance the dish as it simmers.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Meat Stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a comforting dessert, finish your meal with a slice of Hi Ho Cracker Applesauce Pie, which complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's heated through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Meat Stew contains roughly 1276 calories, with 16g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 759mg per serving (33% 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 meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use frozen meat; just ensure to thaw it completely before browning. This helps achieve a better texture and flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook the frozen meat directly, but it may take longer to brown and cook through.
What vegetables can I add to the stew?
You can enhance your stew with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the vegetable soup. This will not only add nutrition but also make the stew more filling.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?
Absolutely! You can substitute the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or use a plant-based protein, such as tempeh or tofu. Replace the vegetable soup with a vegetable broth base and add legumes like lentils or chickpeas for protein.
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).