West Virginia Stew
Hearty West Virginia Stew combines tender meats, vegetables, and savory seasonings for a filling meal perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lb. stew meat ⓘ
- 1 can corned beef ⓘ
- 1 can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 can cut green beans ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 6 to 8 large potatoes
- 2 large cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 small to medium head cabbage ⓘ
- 1 can green peas
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 packages Buddig ham ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large soup pan, cut up potatoes into small chunks and shred the cabbage.
- Add stew meat and salt to the pan.
- Fill the pan with water 4 inches from the top.
- Cover and cook until the cabbage is tender.
- Drain water until it is half full in the pan.
- Add all remaining ingredients including corned beef, corn, green beans, tomatoes, onion, potatoes, tomato paste, cabbage, green peas, ham, garlic salt, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat before adding it to the pot. You can substitute the stew meat with ground beef or chicken for a different texture. If you have leftover vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, feel free to toss them in for added nutrition and flavor. This hearty stew is a great way to use up pantry staples and can be customized based on what you have available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this West Virginia Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the meal nicely. This stew is perfect for family gatherings, providing a comforting and filling option for everyone.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a little water if it seems too thick. You can also microwave in individual portions for quick meals. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of West Virginia Stew contains roughly 665 calories, with 22g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (122% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and potassium (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2160mg per serving (94% 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 vegetables instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in place of canned ones. Just add them to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking to ensure they are heated through without becoming mushy. This option can also enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the stew.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too watery?
If your stew turns out too watery, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and then stirring it into the stew. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes to thicken. Alternatively, mashing some of the potatoes in the stew can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this stew in a slow cooker, simply combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and can be a convenient way to prepare a hearty meal.
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).