Quartermaster's Stew

Quartermaster's Stew is a time-honored Scouting recipe that is easy to make.

Serves 6 to 8 scouts

Ingredients

Stew

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cans mixed vegetables (save liquid)
• 2 cans potatoes (drain off liquid and discard)
• 1 packet stew seasoning mix

Optional

• 1 can stewed tomatoes
• Sliced fresh mushrooms
• Additional vegetables, such as beans, corn

Instructions

1. Heat Dutch oven on fire, add small amount of cooking oil, and brown ground beef. Drain grease.
2. Stir in stew seasoning mix, add a bit of water, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Add vegetables with liquid.
4. Chop potatoes into small chunks and add to stew. Add small quantity of water if need to cover contents.
5. Place oven on bed of charcoal - 8 to 10 briquettes (more in winter) on aluminum foil, shiny side up.
6. Cover with lid and put 2 to 3 times as many coals on top. Cook about 15 minutes.
7. Add tomatoes and mushrooms.
8. Cook until potatoes are tender and stew is bubbly and hot through - 15 to 20 minutes depending upon heat level, stirring occasionally.