Best Hamburger Stew Recipe with Ground Beef
There’s something incredibly cozy about making Hamburger Stew on a cool evening. Growing up, my family often turned to this hearty dish whenever we wanted something filling yet simple. The aroma of simmering vegetables and seasoned ground beef filled the kitchen, reminding us of home-cooked love in every spoonful. If you’re looking for a Simple Homemade Stew Recipe that doesn’t require hours of effort, this is the one. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile, making it one of the best choices for weeknight dinners.
This Simple Homemade Stew Dish is packed with tender potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and flavorful beef, all cooked together in a savory broth. Whether you call it a Basic Beef Stew or a classic One-pot Easy Beef Stew Recipe, the beauty lies in how effortlessly it comes together while still tasting like it simmered all day.
Hamburger Stew: The Best One-Pot Comfort Dish You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Season with thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 40–50 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and flavors are well developed.
- Remove bay leaf, stir gently, and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Perfect Hamburger Stew
To create the best Ground Beef Stews, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Here are the exact ingredients for meat stew recipe success:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or minced meat)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitution Tip: Swap minced meat such as ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter twist on this Basic Beef Stew.
How to Make Hamburger Stew Step by Step
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat for a lighter version.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Stew: Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Season: Add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Simmer: Cover and cook on low heat for 40–50 minutes, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
The result? A Simple Homemade Stew Dish bursting with flavor, perfect for busy nights or Sunday family dinners.
How to Serve Hamburger Stew
This One-pot Easy Beef Stew Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread, cornbread muffins, or even over a bed of white rice for extra comfort. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad. Seasonal twists work too: sprinkle fresh herbs in summer or add extra root vegetables in fall for a hearty variation.
Pro Tips to Perfect Hamburger Stew
- Layer Flavors: Browning the minced meat first creates a deeper flavor base.
- Thicker Stew: Mash a few potato cubes into the broth as it cooks for natural thickness.
- Richness Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for umami depth.
These little tricks transform this Basic Beef Stew into something that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Drain: Leaving too much grease from the ground beef can make your stew oily.
- Overcooking Veggies: Add potatoes and carrots at the right time to keep them tender, not mushy.
- Under-seasoning: Don’t forget salt and pepper; they elevate the natural flavors of your ground beef stew recipes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the perfect texture.
Stews like this often taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the ground beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
What type of meat works best?
Classic ground beef (minced meat) gives the best flavor, but you can also try ground turkey or chicken.
Can I thicken it more?
Yes, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Is this stew healthy?
Yes, this Simple Homemade Stew Recipe is loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamins from vegetables. Using lean ground beef or turkey makes it even lighter.
Conclusion
This Hamburger Stew is the ultimate comfort food — rich, hearty, and nourishing. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and incredibly easy to prepare. With this One-pot Easy Beef Stew Recipe, you’ll always have a go-to meal that satisfies cravings for warmth and flavor.
Save this recipe for your next cold evening, and don’t forget to share it with friends who love a cozy Basic Beef Stew. Nothing beats the joy of a homemade dish that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
SEO Rank Math Elements
Title (H1): Hamburger Stew: The Best One-Pot Comfort Dish You’ll Love
Meta Description: Hamburger Stew recipe made easy. A one-pot simple homemade stew dish with ground beef, potatoes, and veggies for the perfect cozy dinner.
SEO Title (Expert): Hamburger Stew | Best Simple One-Pot Recipe
