Hamburger stew is a rich, comforting, and satisfying meal that brings together the heartiness of ground beef, the sweetness of carrots, and the depth of flavor from a rich tomato and beef broth base. It’s an easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights, cold winter days, or when you just want a meal that feels like a warm hug.
This one-pot wonder is not only delicious but also budget-friendly, using simple and affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you serve it with a side of crusty bread, over rice, or enjoy it as is, hamburger stew is guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Stew Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive everyday ingredients that stretch a meal to feed the whole family.
- One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup, less hassle, and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with vegetables and lean ground beef, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients or add more veggies to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Hamburger Stew:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 sticks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (plus more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Russet potatoes, peeled & diced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled & sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Ground Beef
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic. Then, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 8 minutes).
Step 3: Thicken the Stew
Sprinkle the flour over the ground beef mixture and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add the Liquids and Vegetables
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning, followed by the diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to a rapid simmer and cook, covered (with the lid slightly open), for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully. If the stew becomes too thick, add a bit more broth. If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid and let it cook a little longer.
Step 6: Add the Peas and Season
Stir in the frozen peas, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot stew into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
Tips for Making the Best Hamburger Stew
- Use Lean Ground Beef – This keeps the stew from becoming too greasy while still adding flavor.
- Let It Simmer – The longer the stew simmers, the deeper and richer the flavors become.
- Adjust Thickness – If the stew is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered.
- Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Swap Out Veggies – Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans for variety.
- Add More Protein – Stir in cooked beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the stew with warm, crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Spoon it over rice or mashed potatoes for added heartiness.
- Top with shredded cheese for extra flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Hamburger Stew
Storing:
- Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- This stew freezes beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen up the consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe.
What are some good substitutes for Worcestershire sauce?
Try using soy sauce or a mix of balsamic vinegar and a dash of sugar for a similar depth of flavor.
Can I make this stew gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
How can I make this stew even healthier?
Use extra-lean ground beef or turkey, add more veggies, and reduce the amount of salt used.
Final Thoughts
Hamburger stew is the perfect blend of simplicity, heartiness, and comfort. It’s a recipe that comes together easily with basic pantry ingredients yet delivers incredible flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a large family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
So, grab your ingredients, get your soup pot ready, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious Hamburger Stew tonight!
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🍲 Hearty Hamburger Stew – A Cozy, Budget-Friendly Meal!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This thick and comforting hamburger stew is packed with tender ground beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for chilly nights and busy weeknights. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love! ❤️
Ingredients
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
✅ 1 medium onion, chopped
✅ 3 sticks celery, chopped
✅ 4 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 lb lean ground beef
✅ 3 tbsp flour
✅ 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
✅ 4 cups beef broth (add more if needed)
✅ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
✅ ½ tsp Italian seasoning
✅ 2 Russet potatoes, peeled & diced
✅ 4 medium carrots, peeled & sliced
✅ 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
✅ Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the veggies: Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (about 8 minutes).
3️⃣ Thicken the stew: Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in tomato paste.
4️⃣ Simmer: Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, potatoes, and carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer. Cover (lid slightly open) and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes and carrots are tender. Adjust consistency by adding more broth or simmering uncovered for a thicker stew.
5️⃣ Finish & serve: Stir in frozen peas and season with salt & pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Fat: 10g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 35g per serving
- Protein: 25g per serving