Students Ragout
A hearty, comforting stew featuring tender steak, vegetables, and smoky bacon, perfect for a family dinner or cozy gathering on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut round steak into thin strips across the grain.
- Cut onions, carrots, and potatoes into thick slices.
- Prepare an electric skillet with a lid.
- Cover the skillet bottom with bacon slices.
- Layer the sliced meat over the bacon.
- Add layers of onions, carrots, peppers, and mushrooms.
- Place the sliced potatoes on top.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cook on high heat for 3 minutes.
- Add cold water to the skillet and cover with lid.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon or adding a splash of red wine for depth. If you prefer, you can substitute round steak with chuck roast or even turkey for a lighter version. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or peas to enhance the dish. This recipe is versatile; explore variations from American recipes to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Students Ragout with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices, or pair it with a fresh salad like 7 Layer Pea Salad for a refreshing contrast. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy gathering and can also be accompanied by a glass of red wine for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the ragout cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Students Ragout contains roughly 159 calories, with 8g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1972mg per serving (86% 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 ragout in advance?
Absolutely! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it when you're ready to serve. It’s an excellent option for meal prep.
What can I substitute for canned mushrooms?
If you don't have canned mushrooms, fresh mushrooms are a great substitute. Sauté them first to enhance their flavor before layering them in the ragout. Alternatively, you could omit them entirely for a different texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when layering the vegetables. You can also serve the ragout with a spicy condiment or a dash of hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick.
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).