Whip up a savory, satisfying dinner in just five minutes with my Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew. This microwave-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, nourishing fix. Packed with tender beef, fresh veggies, and bold flavors, this mug stew delivers all the comfort of a classic stew in a convenient single-serve portion.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew
This Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew is a real-life weeknight hero. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it the perfect stress-free dinner for busy days. The savory, satisfying flavors and hearty texture will have you feeling cozy and content. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it as a grab-and-go calming, rewarding meal.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
You only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients to make this Savory Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew. Beef, mixed frozen vegetables, beef broth, and a few basic seasonings come together for a comforting, one-bowl dish.
- 4 oz – ground beef
- 1 cup – frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup – beef broth
- 1 tsp – Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp each – garlic powder, onion powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Ground turkey or chicken would also work well in this recipe.
- Dietary: To make a vegetarian version, swap the beef for cubed extra-firm tofu or diced mushrooms. For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and omit the Worcestershire sauce.
How to Make Savory Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew
This Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew couldn’t be simpler to make. Just toss the ingredients in a mug, microwave, and voila – a hearty, homemade meal in minutes.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by placing the beef, frozen vegetables, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large, microwave-safe mug or bowl. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Microwave the stew on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!). Give the stew a final stir, then enjoy it as is or with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Flavor Booster: For extra flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
- Veggie Variation: You can customize the veggies to your liking – frozen mixed veggies, diced carrots, peas, or corn all work great.
- Heartier Meal: To make this stew more substantial, serve it over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice. You can also add a slice of whole-grain bread on the side.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew is a great make-ahead option. Assemble the ingredients in the mug, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just microwave as directed when you’re ready to enjoy.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a slice of crusty bread.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Microwave Reheat: When ready to enjoy, reheat the stew in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This is a great meal to prep ahead of time. Simply assemble the ingredients in the mug, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Nutrition Info
This Savory Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew is a nourishing, comfort-food meal that will keep you feeling full and energized. One serving provides a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Feel free to use diced fresh veggies like onions, carrots, and celery in place of the frozen mix.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the beef for cubed extra-firm tofu or diced mushrooms. For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and omit the Worcestershire sauce.
Can I prep this stew ahead of time?
Yes! This Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew is a great make-ahead option. Assemble the ingredients in the mug, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just microwave as directed when you’re ready to enjoy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Savory Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, if desired.
How can I make this meal more filling?
To make this stew more substantial, serve it over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice. You can also add a slice of whole-grain bread on the side.
Try These Next
- Savory Chicken And Broccoli Mug Meal
- Savory Quinoa And Black Bean Mug Bowl
- Savory Spinach And Feta Breakfast Mug
Savory Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Beef and Vegetable Mug Stew is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a quick dinner. Packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich flavors, it’s a complete meal in a mug.
Ingredients
1 cup beef stew meat, cubed
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup potatoes, diced
1/4 cup onions, chopped
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine the beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, and onions.
2. Add the beef broth and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
5. Let it sit for 2 minutes to cool slightly.
6. Stir again before serving, and enjoy your mug stew!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference.
This recipe can be doubled for a larger mug or shared in two smaller mugs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg