Dear readers and eaters,
As I am typing this, I am still anticipating Thanksgiving dinner two days away. But as you are reading this, Thanksgiving and its leftovers have come and gone. And if you are like me, you are wishing all of your jeans had a stretching adjustable waistband. So, today’s recipe is a good for you crock pot hamburger stew that will help you get back on track til the Christmas and New Year’s indulgences begin.
Let’s Get Cooking: Weight Watchers Crock Pot Hamburger Stew
By now, you all know how much I love my crock pot. It is right up there with PC, my princesses and grandprincesses. Neck and neck with my kitties. We truly wouldn’t have dinner some nights if I didn’t have a crock pot. And I have about the same passion for a pot of homemade soup. Or in this case, a thick, hearty, healthy bowl of stew.
According to Encyclopedia.com, “the word ‘stew’ is said to come from the old French word estuier, meaning to enclose”. Stews are a comfort food enjoyed all around the world. They usually feature a thick broth to which several solid ingredients have been added. And stews are most often served to family and close friends rather than for a formal occasion. No wonder I like them so much.
This hamburger stew comes from a recipe I found on…two guesses…yup, Pinterest. I have pinned the original from Skinnypoints here. While we have only had it once, I can safely say we will be enjoying this stew somewhat regularly. It is a great way to get some veggies into my Prince Charming without him complaining too much.
Here’s what you will need to gather for this recipe.
The Recipe
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef (used 97%)
- 1 onion, chopped (remember PC doesn’t do onions well…used a half)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped (peeled? oops…I used one big unpeeled potato)
- 1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables (I used cans of veggies)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn (who measures?)
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
The actual recipe called for a package of frozen mixed veggies but I didn’t have those and the painters were here so I couldn’t run to the store to buy them. Used canned beans and peas instead. Or you could use a can of mixed vegetables, maybe? I usually have those on hand but didn’t. I need to stay home, in-town long enough to grocery shop.
The Directions
- Chop onions.
- Brown ground beef with onions over medium heat.
- Season with salt and pepper and any other spices you like. I think I added a dash of garlic powder and some Italian seasoning. Oh, and Montreal steak seasoning.
- Drain off fat…but using 97% lean ground beef didn’t leave much to drain.
- Put meat and onions into the crock pot.
- Chop potatoes into small pieces.
- Add potatoes, vegetables, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, beef broth and water to crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until potatoes are tender.
I am growing basil and cilantro in my kitchen so chopped a little of both and threw it in the pot, too. Mmmm, smelled so good. I sprinkled Parmesan cheese on top of the soup on my bowl. PC added crumbled ‘soup’ crackers (Saltines) to his bowl.
This stew was delicious. And very filling. I just felt healthier eating it. All those veggies. That lean protein. PC could have done without quite as many peas and green beans but he managed to keep them down! One cup of Weight Watchers crock pot hamburger stew is 4 Points Plus points.
Your Turn
How are you repenting after the sins of Thanksgiving? A blogger buddy of mine posted a photo of herself on Instagram hugging a Beachbody box for a 3-day cleanse. I should probably follow her good example. But I like to eat. So I am going to. And just eat wisely and get this booty back to the gym. Actually, we started back to the gym yesterday. Yay, us!
Do you have a go-to recipe for when you are up to your eyeballs with Thanksgiving leftovers? Since we ate with the kids in Albuquerque, PC and I didn’t have leftovers to enjoy. Except for a little ham I brought home. Made an apple pie with crumb topping that we were both craving another slice of last night. Maybe I will make another for Christmas.
Thanks for visiting. Hope your week is off to a great start. I will be babysitting painters and pool contractors again. UGH.
Hugs and kisses,
Laura
Crockpots are the best! I just make a turkey and wild rice stew last night with our Thanksgiving leftovers! This looks delicious!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Have you tried using an instant pot? I can’t imagine that I would love it any better than my crock pot but I am a little curious. Your turkey and wild rice stew sounds delicious. I make a chicken and wild rice soup…all about soups over here. Bet I could sub in turkey and make it after Christmas with the leftovers.
curlycraftymom
This looks so yummy! I have been using my crock pot a lot lately, just because we have had a lot of busy evenings. Your recipes are the best!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, sugar! Going to share a great un-crockpot recipe next week. Hope you will visit again.