Introduction:
Take a trip down memory lane with this Childhood Comfort Stew, a simple yet hearty dish that brings back the cozy, satisfying flavors of home-cooked meals. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a rich tomato base, this stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly days or when you need a little bit of nostalgia. Easy to make and filled with wholesome ingredients, it’s a meal that warms both the body and soul. Enjoy this deliciously simple stew that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup potatoes, chopped into ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 can whole kernel sweet corn (drained)
- 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
- ⅓ cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups water
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pan or skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon or spatula. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pan to reduce the fat content and keep the stew light and healthy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Using the same pan, add the diced onion to the cooked beef. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step will add a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor to the stew.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Add the 2 cups of water, ⅓ cup of tomato sauce, and 2 tablespoons of chicken bouillon to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt or pepper to suit your preference.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Corn
Stir in the chopped potatoes and drained corn, making sure all ingredients are well mixed. The potatoes will absorb the flavors of the stew as they cook, becoming tender and delicious.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the stew from sticking to the bottom. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of this Childhood Comfort Stew! This simple, tasty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Cooking Note:
- For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with a bit of garlic or adding a bay leaf while simmering.
- Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more water if you prefer a soupier consistency or letting it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread or over steamed white rice to soak up the delicious broth.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream, grated cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and garnish.
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles and use vegetable bouillon.
- If you want to add more vegetables, consider adding chopped carrots, celery, or peas to the stew.
- Use low-sodium chicken bouillon and adjust salt to taste for a healthier option.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
4
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Protein: 20 grams per serving
- Sodium: 600 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Childhood Comfort Stew is a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to bring back fond memories of family dinners. With simple ingredients and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a dish that warms the heart as much as it does the stomach. Perfect for weeknight meals or a cozy weekend lunch, this stew will quickly become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the comforting, nostalgic taste of home with every spoonful!
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Childhood Comfort Stew
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Take a trip down memory lane with this Childhood Comfort Stew, a simple yet hearty dish that brings back the cozy, satisfying flavors of home-cooked meals. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a rich tomato base, this stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly days or when you need a little bit of nostalgia. Easy to make and filled with wholesome ingredients, it’s a meal that warms both the body and soul. Enjoy this deliciously simple stew that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup potatoes, chopped into ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 can whole kernel sweet corn (drained)
- 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
- ⅓ cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pan or skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon or spatula. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pan to reduce the fat content and keep the stew light and healthy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Using the same pan, add the diced onion to the cooked beef. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step will add a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor to the stew.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Add the 2 cups of water, ⅓ cup of tomato sauce, and 2 tablespoons of chicken bouillon to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt or pepper to suit your preference.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Corn
Stir in the chopped potatoes and drained corn, making sure all ingredients are well mixed. The potatoes will absorb the flavors of the stew as they cook, becoming tender and delicious.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the stew from sticking to the bottom. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of this Childhood Comfort Stew! This simple, tasty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef with a bit of garlic or adding a bay leaf while simmering.
- Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more water if you prefer a soupier consistency or letting it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread or over steamed white rice to soak up the delicious broth.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream, grated cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and garnish.
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles and use vegetable bouillon.
- If you want to add more vegetables, consider adding chopped carrots, celery, or peas to the stew.
- Use low-sodium chicken bouillon and adjust salt to taste for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Sodium: 600 mg per serving
- Protein: 20 grams per serving