Mom's Campfire Stew: A Delicious and Hearty American Classic

Mom's Campfire Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings back memories of gathering around the fire with family and friends. This hearty stew is filled with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth. The stew is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a dish that is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your soul. It's the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening or to serve as a hearty meal while camping. You won't be able to resist going back for seconds!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the diced onions to the pot and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Return the beef stew meat to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stir everything together and bring the stew to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
6. Simmer the stew for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
7. After 2 hours, remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve Mom's Campfire Stew hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Interesting Facts