Here is a recipe that I make on a regular basis to use up those small portions of left over vegetables, so they don't go to waste. My family loves Hamburger stew! My son will do the same and when he does he makes Ratatouille. I have never eaten Ratatouille but am looking forward to trying some. Meanwhile I will settle for Hamburger stew.

Step 1: Ingredients

1 Pound hamburger
1 Chopped onion
1 Chopped bell pepper
2 chopped squash
1 Can diced tomatoes
1/4 to 1/2 Cup Rotel
1 Cup baby carrots
4 Chopped celery stalks
4 Chicken flavor bouillon cubes
2 Garlic buds
Season to taste: Garlic salt, sea salt, chili powder, ground pepper corn, and Cumin

Step 2: Utensils

Stock pot with lid
Skillet
Large spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Potato peeler

Step 3: Cook Hamburger Add Seasonings

Place the hamburger in a skillet on medium heat.
Season to taste.
Cook the hamburger in the skillet until done.
While you are waiting for it to cook go to next step.
When the hamburger is done . . . .
Drain fat.
Pour into stock pot.

I don't measure when I make this stew. I add a dash of each and do the taste test.

Step 4: Boil Water

Fill the stock pot 1/2 full with water on high heat.
Add a dash of salt.
Add carrots.
Add bouillon cubes.
Bring to boil.
While you are waiting for it to boil check on the hamburger and prepare the vegetables.

Chicken stock adds a lot of flavor to this stew. I usually make my own but was out; so I used the cubes.

Step 5: Peel and Dice Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes.
Dice the potatoes.
Add diced potatoes to the stew mixture.
Add enough water to fill approx 3/4 full leaving enough room for the remaining vegetables.
Check hamburger.
If it is done . . . .
Drain hamburger and add it to the stew mixture.

Step 6: Chop Veggies

Chop the onion, bell pepper, and squash.
Mince the garlic.

Step 7: Add Veggies, Tomatoes and Rotel

Add the chopped vegetables and garlic to the stew mixture.

Step 8: Cook Until Done

It takes my stew 2 hours to cook because of the altitude. I often make this stew in a slow cooker. I actually like that method the best; especially during the summer months. Mine is packed up right now so I had to cook it on the stove and heat up the house.

Step 9: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

I serve this dish a couple of times a week. It does not always taste the same because I use different vegetables depending on which ones I need to use up first. It is very good with home made bread. My son called tonight and was excited that he discovered a new flavor of Tabasco sauce; habanero. Now I wished I had some. It would add a nice kick to the stew.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
Sunshiine