Census Cornbread Stew
A hearty, spiced stew with a cornbread base, celebrating the cultural tapestry of U.S. communities. This southern-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 75 minutes pairs loaf, cubed cornbread, chicken broth, diced potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf, cubed cornbread
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups, diced potatoes
- 1 cup, chopped onions
- 1 cup, chopped celery
- 1 cup, diced carrots
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté 1 cup chopped onions and 1 cup chopped celery for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup diced carrots and 2 cups diced potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then stir in 1 tsp thyme and 1 bay leaf. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp flour to thicken the stew, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add 1 loaf cubed cornbread and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the cornbread is tender and the stew has absorbed some liquid.
- Step 5: Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Census Cornbread Stew take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Census Cornbread Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep loaf, cubed cornbread from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Census Cornbread Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Census Cornbread Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Census Cornbread Stew vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
