Ranger Stew
A hearty, flavorful stew combining ground beef, vegetables, and savory seasonings, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Mix together the vegetable soup, canned beans, tomatoes, chopped celery, and chopped onions in a large pot.
- Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add extra potatoes and carrots if desired.
- Heat the mixture for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. If you don't have vegetable soup, you can substitute with chicken or beef broth and add more vegetables like carrots or peas. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; try using fresh thyme instead of dried. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce. You could also incorporate leftover roasted vegetables to reduce waste.
Serving Suggestions
Ranger Stew is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, consider topping it with shredded cheese or fresh herbs before serving. You might also enjoy it alongside cornbread or as a filling for baked potatoes. Browse more American recipes for additional meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, ensuring even heating. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranger Stew contains roughly 902 calories, with 32g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), and calcium (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 934mg per serving (41% 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the hamburger meat first, then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
What vegetables can I add to Ranger Stew?
Feel free to customize the vegetable mix according to your preferences. Common additions include bell peppers, green beans, or even corn. Adding diced potatoes can also make the dish heartier. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook through within the cooking time.
Is Ranger Stew gluten-free?
The basic ingredients in Ranger Stew are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on canned soups and sauces to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are included. If you want to be extra cautious, you can make your own vegetable soup base from scratch.
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).