Hamburger Stew – A Cozy One-Pot Ground Beef Stew Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, few dishes feel as comforting as a hearty hamburger stew. This cozy, one-pot recipe combines ground beef, tender vegetables, and savory seasonings into a bowl that warms you from the inside out. Growing up, my grandma always had a pot of stew simmering on the stove. She called it her “busy-day soup,” because it was quick to prepare yet filling enough to feed the whole family. Today, I’ll show you how to make a simple homemade stew recipe that’s both affordable and delicious.

Why You’ll Love Hamburger Stew

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this ground beef stew recipe:

• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable minced meat instead of pricey cuts of beef.
• One-Pot Meal – Easy cleanup makes this stew a weeknight lifesaver.
• Customizable – Swap vegetables based on what’s in your fridge.
• Comforting Flavor – The rich broth and hearty vegetables create a soul-warming dish.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters enjoy the simple, hearty taste.

If you’ve enjoyed recipes like hamburger potato soup or high-protein white bean soup, this stew will become your new favorite comfort food.

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need for this basic beef stew:

• 1 lb ground beef (minced meat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas or green beans
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the beef – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté the aromatics – Add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables – Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Build the broth – Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Simmer gently – Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Finish with peas – Stir in frozen peas or green beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve warm – Ladle into bowls and enjoy your homemade hamburger stew.

How to Serve Hamburger Stew

This stew is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but you can take it to the next level by pairing it with sides. A slice of crusty bread or homemade biscuits is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. If you’re hosting a family dinner, serve it alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

For an extra cozy meal, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or cheddar cheese on top right before serving. Some folks even enjoy it over steamed rice, giving it a heartier, casserole-like feel. If you like recipes such as white chicken chili, you’ll love experimenting with toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh herbs.

How to Store Hamburger Stew

This simple homemade stew dish is even better the next day because the flavors deepen overnight. Store cooled stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it thickens too much.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently. Pro tip: freeze stew without potatoes if you want to avoid a grainy texture when reheating.

Tips to Make Hamburger Stew

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• Layer flavors by browning the beef well before adding broth.
• Add depth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
• Make it heartier by stirring in barley, rice, or small pasta.
• Brighten the flavors with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

If you loved honey roasted butternut squash stuffed with chicken, you can add roasted squash cubes to this stew for a sweet, earthy flavor twist.

Variations of Hamburger Stew

• Spicy Hamburger Stew – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Italian-Style Stew – Stir in Italian seasoning and finish with parmesan cheese.
• Mexican-Inspired Stew – Add black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin.
• Vegetarian Version – Substitute lentils or plant-based ground “meat.”
• Slow Cooker Version – Let it simmer all day in a crockpot for tender vegetables and rich broth.

FAQs

Can I make hamburger stew with frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen mixed veggies work great for a quick shortcut.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. This recipe works with any minced meat.

How can I thicken hamburger stew?
Mash some potatoes into the broth or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth is certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This one-pot easy beef stew recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a meal that’s wholesome and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday dinner, this stew delivers comfort in every spoonful.

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