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Recipe for you: Camp Stew

Type Camp Recipe
Cooking Method Dutch oven or large pot
Prep Time Quick and easy
Servings Multiple serves
In Camps App Yes – Download for iPhone/iPad or Android

This tried and true camps stew recipe was sent into the Camps Australia Wide Community Cookbook by contributor, Kennith Ayres.

Like Kennith says, it was very easy to make and tasty. Here is perfect camp grub: one pot, ingredients are generally to hand, and it took no time. My photos definitely don’t do it justice!

We served it with carrots, peas and broccoli. Toast or a crusty roll would have been fine, too! I did add lots of salt and pepper, and replaced one of the spuds for a similar sized sweet potato. The consistency was perfect, I didn’t need to add extra water, however I did keep the lid on. It could easily handle more vege – and I might try that next time: like celery and carrot.

As we are “COVID cooking”, we concocted this in a large pot on our kitchen stove.  I am loving wintery stews and soup as the nights are cooling off.

We do have an extra tip, and I’m sure you have figured this one out, Kennith – leftovers are perfect with an egg the next day – I added spinach, too!

Ingredients

  • 1lb (450 g) lean ground beef
  • 1 red pepper (diced)
  • 1 410 g can kidney beans 
  • 1 400 g can diced tomatoes 
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 slices of bacon cut into cubed pieces
  • 2 medium potatoes (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup of water

Method

  1. Put oil into a preheated dutch oven on coals (or large pot on a stove).
  2. Saute onion. 
  3. Add bacon.
  4. Add beef and brown.
  5. Add pepper, beans, potato, tomatoes and water.
  6. Mix all together.
  7. Cook over low heat until potatoes are tender.
  8. Season with pepper and salt to taste.
  9. Remember to stir occasionally (I don’t like burnt offerings).

Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android

Download Camps Australia Wide app on Apple App Store   Get Camps Australia Wide app on Google Play Store

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook this camp stew in a Dutch oven?

Yes, this recipe works perfectly in a preheated Dutch oven on coals or in a large pot on a camp stove or kitchen stove.

What can I serve with this camp stew?

The stew pairs well with carrots, peas and broccoli as sides. Toast or a crusty roll are also great options for soaking up the sauce.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe handles additional vegetables well. Try adding celery and carrot, or substitute one potato with sweet potato for variety.

Do I need to add extra water while cooking?

The recipe calls for 1 cup of water, which should be sufficient if you keep the lid on. The consistency should be perfect without additional water.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers are perfect reheated with an egg the next day. Try adding some spinach for extra nutrition and flavour.

How long does it take to cook the camp stew?

Cook over low heat until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. The exact time depends on your heat source, but it’s quick to prepare.

Can I use a different type of meat?

The recipe calls for 1lb (450g) lean ground beef, but check the Camps App for current details on recipe variations.

What size pot do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably for proper cooking and stirring.

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