simple hamburger stew recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
simple hamburger stew recipe
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The Best simple hamburger stew recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite simple hamburger stew recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for a chilly evening.

My family loves it when I serve this stew with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time.

I like to think of this recipe as a warm hug on a plate. The flavors are rich and deep, with the beef and vegetables melding together in a beautiful harmony. My kids always ask for seconds, and I’m happy to oblige.

This stew is also a great way to get your daily dose of veggies, especially if you use a variety of colorful peppers and onions. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish. I’ve even been known to pack leftovers in my husband’s lunchbox for a satisfying meal on-the-go.

The history behind this recipe is fascinating too – it’s believed to have originated in the American West, where cowboys would slow-cook their beef in a cast-iron pot over an open flame. Today, we can enjoy this comforting meal without the need for any special equipment or expertise. The technique behind this stew is what makes it truly special – by browning the meat in a skillet before adding the vegetables and liquid, you create a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with other cooking methods.

Simple Hamburger Stew

Simple Hamburger Stew

4.9 from 556 votes

A hearty and comforting stew made with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a savory tomato broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights and comes together in under an hour.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stew

1 lb ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
2 medium carrots, sliced (about 1 cup)
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3The beef should be no longer pink and have a deep brown color.
4Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
7Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
8Add the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots.
9Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
10If you prefer a thicker stew, in a small bowl whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
11Stir this slurry into the stew and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the stew thickens slightly.
12Add the frozen peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until heated through.
13Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the peas. You can also add other vegetables like corn or green beans. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Simple Hamburger Stew Works

This simple hamburger stew recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to store and reheat – simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. When reheating, feel free to add some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to give it an extra boost of flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Stew

What type of beef should I use for this stew?

You can use either ground beef or ground turkey for this recipe, depending on your personal preference and dietary needs. If you choose ground beef, look for a leaner option like 80/20 or 85/15 to avoid excess fat in your stew.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Simply brown the meat in a skillet as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How do I store leftover stew?

Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freezing it for up to 3 months.

Can I customize this recipe with different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if using harder-to-cook ingredients like carrots or potatoes.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians due to the presence of beef.

How do I reheat leftover stew?

You can reheat leftover stew on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

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