Hearty Ground Beef Stew

This hamburger stew is a rich and savory dish that comes together much easier than a classic stew while still delivering incredible flavor. With hearty ground beef, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it is the perfect comforting meal for a cozy night in

This stew made an ordinary weeknight feel special It is the first thing I crave when the weather turns chilly and everyone at my table always goes back for seconds

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: brings a subtle fruitiness that deepens as the stew cooks Use a high quality oil for the best flavor
• Ground beef: provides richness and protein Choose an eighty percent lean mix for balance of flavor and moisture
• Carrots: add a lovely sweetness and color Select firm carrots with bright color for better texture
• Celery: gives an aromatic backbone Fresh stalks with plenty of leaves work best
• Yellow onion and garlic: create the essential flavor base Go for onions that feel heavy and have papery skin and use fresh garlic not jarred
• All-purpose flour: helps thicken the stew A fresh bag will give a smoother texture
• Tomato paste: builds umami and gives a deep red color A double concentrate paste brings the biggest impact
• Paprika: brings gentle warmth and color Try using smoked paprika for extra depth if you have it
• Potatoes: make the stew hearty and satisfying Russets or Yukon Golds hold their shape nicely
• Beef broth: rounds out the flavor Use a low sodium broth to control seasoning
• Bay leaf and dried thyme: add classic earthy stew notes Always check dried herbs for freshness by rubbing them between your fingers
• Frozen peas: provide bright color and sweet flavor Pick petite peas for tenderness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat Add ground beef and cook until deeply browned breaking it up with a spoon and scraping all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot Season with salt and pepper Remove beef and set aside

Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same pot add carrots celery onion and garlic Sauté over medium heat stirring often until the onions turn translucent and the mix smells very fragrant This should take about seven minutes Season again with salt and pepper

Build the Base:

Return browned beef to the pot Sprinkle in flour and stir for a couple of minutes so the flour coats everything and cooks off its raw flavor Add tomato paste and paprika Continue stirring another two minutes until everything looks thick and glossy

Simmer the Stew:

Add cubed potatoes beef broth bay leaf and dried thyme to the pot Stir really well making sure nothing is stuck on the bottom Cover and let the stew simmer on low for about twenty five minutes Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks The potatoes should be just fork tender

Finish and Adjust:

Stir in the frozen peas Simmer another three minutes Taste and adjust seasoning as needed If you like a thicker stew cook it uncovered a few minutes more To thin it just add a splash more broth or water

Pin

My favorite ingredient here is the paprika because it layers in so much flavor even in small amounts My kids actually cheer when they spot the peas because they are sweet and pop in every bite Once this became our family’s all time favorite I even started bringing it to potlucks and it always disappears fast

Storage Tips

This hamburger stew keeps well for about four days in the fridge Let it cool before transferring to airtight containers For longer storage freeze in individual servings Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or chicken for beef if you want something lighter Sweet potatoes can take the place of regular potatoes for extra color and a subtle sweetness If you do not have tomato paste a couple tablespoons of canned diced tomatoes concentrated down in the pot will work

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Serving Suggestions

A slice of crusty bread is always a hit for scooping Every so often I top each bowl with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or fresh herbs like parsley and it is always a treat Leftovers reheat beautifully for easy lunches

Cultural Notes

Hamburger stew is a comforting classic in American home kitchens The recipe likely emerged during times when home cooks needed quick filling meals on a budget Ground beef turned a rustic meat and vegetable soup into something sturdier and more satisfying

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What vegetables work best in this stew?

Carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and peas create a hearty blend. You can also add corn, bell peppers, or green beans if desired.

→ How do I thicken the stew?

Stir in all-purpose flour with browned beef, or simmer uncovered at the end to reduce the liquid for a thicker texture.

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well and adapt to this cooking method.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve alongside crusty bread, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let the stew cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

→ Can this be frozen?

Absolutely. Store cooled stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.