Few things capture the spirit of the outdoors like a simmering pot of stew over an open fire. Whether you’re deep in the backcountry, gathered around a fire pit, or simply bringing the taste of adventure to your home kitchen, a rich and hearty stew is the ultimate comfort food. But this isn’t just any stew—this is Campfire Hunter’s Stew, a meal inspired by centuries of survival, exploration, and the wild ingredients that have fueled adventurers for generations.

This one-pot wonder is designed for the outdoors—simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and the kind of stick-to-your-ribs goodness that makes it worth every mile hiked. Plus, it’s adaptable. No venison? Use beef. Cooking at home? A slow cooker works just as well. Every step of the recipe includes a fun fact or bit of history about an ingredient, so you can learn something new while crafting a meal worthy of the wild.

So grab your utensils, stoke the fire, and let’s get cooking!

• One (1) pound of stew meat

• Two (2) tablespoons (tbsp) olive oil

• One (1) large onion, chopped

• Two (2) cloves garlic, minced

• Three (3) whole carrots, chopped

• Two (2) large potatoes, diced

• One (1) cup mushrooms, sliced

• One (1) can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• Four (4) cups broth (beef, vegetable, or bone broth)

• One (1) tablespoon (tbsp) Worcestershire sauce

• One (1) teaspoon (tsp) smoked paprika

• One (1) teaspoon (tsp) thyme

• Half (½) teaspoon (tsp) salt

• Half (½) teaspoon (tsp) black pepper

• One (1) bay leaf

Preparation Steps go here. Cut everything up in advance.

Searing the Meat

• Heat oil in a large pot over a campfire or stove.

• Brown the wild game meat on all sides, then set it aside

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Fun Fact: Venison & Wild Game – Did you know that deer meat was a staple for Native American tribes and early frontiersmen? Unlike modern store-bought beef, venison is leaner and packed with protein, making it an ideal survival food.

Sautéing the Aromatics

• Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot.

• Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant.

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Fun Fact: Onions & Garlic – The Ancient Healers – Onions and garlic were used as medicine in ancient times. Egyptian laborers ate onions for strength while building the pyramids, and garlic was carried into battle by Roman soldiers for its supposed healing properties.

Adding the Hearty Vegetables

• Stir in chopped carrots and potatoes.

• Let them cook for a few minutes to develop flavor.

Bringing in the Wild Flavor

• Toss in the sliced mushrooms and stir to combine.

• Pour in the broth and canned tomatoes.

• Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and a bay leaf.

• Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

• Stir occasionally and enjoy the aroma.

• Remove the bay leaf and serve hot

• Enjoy with campfire bread or a simple hunk of rustic bread.