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–+ servings

Ham Stew with Beef and Bacon

A beef-broth-based soup recipe with ham, beef chuck cubes, bacon, carrots, cabbage, and apples. The directions are for making this soup on top of the stove. See the notes for using a slow cooker. The video shows directions for using an Instant Pot.
8 servings
Ready to eat bowl of Hearty Ham Stew with cornbread on the side.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 4 strips (88 g) bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound (454 g) boneless chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium (110 g) onion, chopped
  • 2 cups (236 g) apples, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 cup (227 g) beef broth - (I like Better Than Bouillon beef base, 1 teaspoon + 1 cup water)
  • 4 cups (908 g) water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Kitchen Bouquet
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 2 cups (256 g) carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup (140 g) ham, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups (356 g) cabbage, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Bacon: Fry 4 strips bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces in a large Dutch oven. Remove and set aside.
  • Brown the Beef: Sauté the 1 pound boneless chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes in two batches using the bacon grease. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté the Onions: Return the beef to the pot, add the 1 medium onion, chopped, and cook until softened.
  • Build the Broth: Add 2 cups apples, peeled and finely chopped , 1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Kitchen Bouquet, 4 cups water, and 1 large bay leaf. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1½ hours.
  • Add Carrots & Ham: Stir in the 2 cups carrots, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces and 1 cup ham, cut into 1-inch cubes about 30 minutes before serving and continue simmering.
  • Finish with Cabbage and Bacon: Add the 4 cups cabbage, coarsely chopped and reserved bacon during the last 10 minutes. Cook just until the cabbage is tender with a slight bite. Remove the bay leaf before serving and season with ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper.

Notes

A NOTE ABOUT SALT:
I don't usually add salt. There is plenty from the bacon, broth, condiments, and ham. Suit yourself. 

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 416mg | Potassium: 509mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 5403IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg