I’ve always had a soft spot for comforting dishes that come together on a chilly evening, and let me tell you, Hamburger Stew is one of those classics that never lets me down. Picture this: the aroma of sizzling ground beef mingling with hearty vegetables, all simmering in a rich, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from home, especially when you’re short on time but craving something substantial. In my experience, making Hamburger Stew from scratch is easier than you might think, and it always turns out deliciously satisfying.
What I love most about this Hamburger Stew recipe is how versatile it is – you can tweak it based on what’s in your pantry, yet it retains that robust flavor profile every time. Growing up, my mom would whip up a pot on busy school nights, and now, sharing it with my own family brings back those fond memories. If you’re looking for an easy Hamburger Stew that’s packed with nutrition and taste, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into this homemade Hamburger Stew that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Here’s the thing: in a world of complicated recipes, this Hamburger Stew stands out for its simplicity and heartiness. I’ve perfected it over the years, and I’m excited to pass it along so you can enjoy the same cozy results. Trust me, once you try this easy Hamburger Stew, it’ll become a staple in your rotation.
Key Takeaways:
- Hamburger Stew is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, delivering comfort food without the fuss.
- Prep and cook time totals just about 45 minutes, making this Hamburger Stew a time-saver for family dinners.
- The rich, savory flavors from ground beef and vegetables create a mouthwatering taste that’s better than takeout.
- For the best Hamburger Stew, brown the meat well and season generously to enhance depth of flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat your Hamburger Stew gently to keep it tasting fresh.
Why You’ll Adore This Hamburger Stew
Comfort in Every Bite: There’s something undeniably soothing about a bowl of Hamburger Stew on a cool day. The tender veggies and juicy beef come together in a way that feels like home cooking at its finest. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds without hesitation.
Quick and Effortless Prep: I know how hectic life can get, which is why this Hamburger Stew shines – it’s ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup. No fancy equipment needed; just a pot and some stirring. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro.
Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, this Hamburger Stew isn’t just tasty; it’s nourishing too. In my experience, it’s a great way to sneak in those daily veggies without anyone complaining. Plus, it’s customizable for dietary needs.
Family-Pleasing Flavors: Everyone from kids to adults raves about the bold, beefy taste of this Hamburger Stew. It’s hearty enough for a main dish but light on the waistline. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love a meal this satisfying and simple?
Essential Ingredients for Hamburger Stew
Ground Beef: The star of this Hamburger Stew is undoubtedly the ground beef, which provides that essential savory base and protein punch. I prefer using lean ground beef to keep things healthier, but it still browns up beautifully for maximum flavor. When cooked with onions, it releases juices that infuse the entire dish, making every spoonful rich and satisfying. Don’t skimp here; quality beef elevates your Hamburger Stew to the next level.
Potatoes: Chunky potatoes add heartiness and a subtle starchiness that thickens the Hamburger Stew naturally. They’re affordable and filling, turning this into a complete meal without extra sides. I always peel and dice them evenly so they cook uniformly, absorbing all those wonderful broth flavors along the way. If you’ve got red potatoes on hand, they hold their shape especially well.
Carrots and Celery: These veggies bring freshness and crunch to the Hamburger Stew, balancing the richness of the beef. Carrots add a touch of sweetness, while celery provides a subtle earthiness that rounds out the flavors. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating, and they’ll soften just right during simmering, contributing to the stew’s comforting texture. In my Hamburger Stew, they’re non-negotiable for that classic taste.
How to Make Hamburger Stew
Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding a tablespoon of oil if needed. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains – this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The key here is to let it sear a bit for that deep, caramelized flavor that makes your Hamburger Stew so irresistible. Drain any excess fat, then stir in diced onions and garlic to sauté until fragrant and translucent. This step builds the foundation, so don’t rush it; the aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling amazing.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme for extra depth – trust me, it makes all the difference in the final Hamburger Stew. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add umami without overpowering. Stir everything together for another minute before moving on.
Add Vegetables and Simmer
Next, throw in your chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes, giving them a good stir to coat in the beefy goodness. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, ensuring everything is well combined – the liquid should just cover the ingredients, so add a splash more broth if necessary. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll notice the vegetables softening and the flavors melding; that’s when the magic happens in this Hamburger Stew.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and taste midway to adjust seasonings – maybe a bit more salt or herbs. The steam rising from the pot carries hints of tomato and beef, teasing what’s to come. Patience pays off here for tender, flavorful results.
Finish and Serve
Once the veggies are fork-tender, your Hamburger Stew is almost ready – give it one last stir and let it cook uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes now. This resting period allows the flavors to harmonize perfectly, creating that cozy, homemade Hamburger Stew vibe.
Ladle it into bowls while hot, garnishing with fresh parsley if you have it for a pop of color and freshness. The steam rising from each serving is pure comfort, and pairing it with crusty bread takes it over the top. Enjoy the fruits of your labor right away.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (optional)
Hamburger Stew Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened, 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Uncover and cook 5 more minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Hamburger Stew
Brown for Flavor: Always brown the beef thoroughly; it adds richness that bland cooking skips. This simple step transforms your Hamburger Stew.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook veggies in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of sautéing. Even browning means better taste in every bite.
Thicken Naturally: Let it simmer uncovered at the end; the potatoes release starch for a perfect consistency without extra flour.
You Must Know
- Hamburger Stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and avoid an overly seasoned dish.
- This recipe serves 6, perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
- It’s naturally gluten-free, but check labels on canned tomatoes for cross-contamination.
How to Store Hamburger Stew
Once cooled, transfer your Hamburger Stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion it into freezer bags and freeze for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. This method keeps the flavors intact, ensuring your Hamburger Stew tastes just as good as fresh.
Customizing Your Hamburger Stew
If you’re watching carbs, swap potatoes for cauliflower florets in your Hamburger Stew – it maintains the heartiness without the starch. For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or cayenne during cooking. Vegetarians can substitute the beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a similar texture. Check out our ground beef and broccoli recipe for more veggie-packed ideas that pair well with variations like this.
What to Serve with Hamburger Stew
A slice of crusty bread or cornbread is perfect for sopping up the broth in your Hamburger Stew. For a fresh contrast, pair it with a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette. On the side, roasted veggies or garlic knots add warmth, while a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness. Don’t forget dessert – something light like fruit salad keeps the meal balanced.
Hamburger Stew
This hamburger stew recipe is thick, hearty, and easy to make! It's a delicious family meal that uses inexpensive everyday ingredients.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 02 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 03 3 sticks celery (chopped)
- 04 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 05 1 pound lean ground beef
- 06 3 tablespoons flour
- 07 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 08 4 cups beef broth (+ more if needed)
- 09 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 10 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 11 2 Russet potatoes (peeled & diced)
- 12 4 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
- 13 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 14 Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Add the oil, onion, and celery to a soup pot and sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with your spoon as you go along, until it's browned (about 8 minutes).
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes (stirring often).
Stir in the tomato paste.
Add in the broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, potatoes, and carrots. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a rapid simmer and cook, covered (with the lid slightly open), stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors have had some time to build. Add more broth if the stew starts to get too thick, and if you want it thicker, cook it for longer with the lid off.
Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt & pepper as needed.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Stew
Can I make Hamburger Stew ahead of time?
Absolutely, Hamburger Stew is great for make-ahead meals. Prepare it up to two days in advance and store in the fridge; the flavors even deepen overnight. Just reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve.
How long does Hamburger Stew last in the fridge?
Your Hamburger Stew will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. Beyond that, freeze it to extend its life. Always check for any off smells before reheating.
Is Hamburger Stew healthy?
Yes, this Hamburger Stew is packed with vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious choice. It’s low in processed ingredients and high in fiber from the veggies. Customize with extra greens for even more benefits.
Can I use a slow cooker for Hamburger Stew?
Definitely; brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. This method tenderizes the veggies beautifully. For more slow cooker tips, see our crockpot chili recipe.
What’s the best cut of beef for Hamburger Stew?
Ground beef works wonders in Hamburger Stew for its quick cooking and flavor release. Opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness without excess grease. If substituting, chuck roast diced small is another hearty option.
Can kids eat Hamburger Stew?
Hamburger Stew is kid-friendly and customizable – mild flavors appeal to little ones, and you can hide extra veggies if needed. Serve it with fun sides like cheese biscuits to make it exciting. In our family, it’s a hit every time.
How do I thicken Hamburger Stew?
To thicken, mash a few potatoes against the pot side or simmer uncovered longer. A cornstarch slurry works too, but keep it natural. This keeps your Hamburger Stew hearty without altering the taste.
Is Hamburger Stew spicy?
This version of Hamburger Stew is mildly seasoned, but you can add heat with peppers or hot sauce. Adjust to your preference for a customized kick. It’s flexible for all spice levels.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, this Hamburger Stew recipe is all about bringing warmth and ease to your table, just like the comforting meals that have sustained families for generations. I’ve shared it because I know how much joy a simple, flavorful dish can bring after a long day. Give this homemade Hamburger Stew a try this week – your taste buds (and everyone else) will thank you. Head to the kitchen and start simmering; you won’t regret it.