Name: Hamburger Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Ground Beef; 2 lbs Potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup Carrots, chopped; 1 cup Onion, chopped; 4 cups Beef broth; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Black pepper

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s practically a hug in a bowl: my Grandma Elsie’s Hamburger Stew Recipe. Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Stew? Sounds…blah.” But trust me, this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill stew. Forget what you know about those bland, watery concoctions. This one is hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make that it’s become a staple in our family for generations. Think of it as a cross between a cozy pot roast and a Loaded Baked Potato, all simmered together in one delicious, comforting pot. It’s truly the best Hamburger Stew Recipe I’ve ever tasted, and I think you’ll agree.

What is a Hamburger Stew?

Hamburger stew is, at its heart, a celebration of simple, satisfying flavors. It’s essentially a beef stew, but instead of using chunks of beef like you would in a traditional stew, we use GROUND BEEF – or, as my grandma always called it, “hamburger.” Think of it as a deconstructed hamburger, where all the best parts – the savory beef, the creamy potatoes, the sweet carrots – are swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s essentially a one-pot wonder, perfect for those nights when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt it to your own taste preferences, adding different vegetables, spices, or even a splash of cream for extra richness.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me tell you, this Hamburger Stew Recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned broth is truly irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. Then there’s the simplicity. This recipe is so easy to make, even a beginner cook can pull it off without a hitch. Everything cooks together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. Ground beef is typically more affordable than other cuts of beef, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking, adding different vegetables, spices, or even a dollop of Sour Cream or yogurt on top. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables, and it always tastes amazing. Compared to fancier stews or even something like chili, it’s just more…accessible, you know? It’s familiar and comforting in a way that those dishes sometimes aren’t.

How do I make Hamburger Stew?

Quick Overview

Making this Hamburger Stew Recipe is surprisingly simple. You basically brown the ground beef, sauté some vegetables, add the remaining ingredients, and let it simmer until everything is tender and flavorful. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal effort, but delivers maximum flavor. I always say it’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight when you want something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Don’t be intimidated by the simmering time – it’s mostly hands-off, and the longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Trust me, the end result is well worth the wait.

Ingredients

For the Hamburger Stew:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor)
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups beef broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed (I like Yukon Gold)
* 1 cup frozen peas
* Salt to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How do I follow

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial because the browning adds a depth of flavor to the stew that you just can’t get any other way. Don’t skip it!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base of the stew, so don’t rush it. You want the vegetables to be tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and pepper to taste. Pour in the beef broth and add the tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. I always do this because the simmering allows the flavors to meld together and deepen over time.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, cover, and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. What makes potatoes tender? How do you make sure the potatoes are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate? I’ve made the mistake of cutting them too big before, and some were still hard while others were not.

Step 5: Stir in the Peas

Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through. Do not overcook the peas, or they’ll get mushy. They should still be bright green and slightly firm.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season the stew with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. I find that it rarely needs much salt because the beef broth and tomatoes already have some salt in them. What is the best way to start with a small amount and add more as needed. My kids ask for seconds every time I make this.

What should I serve it with?

This Hamburger Stew Recipe is a meal in itself, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. For breakfast, I suppose you *could* eat it, but honestly, I’d save it for lunch or dinner! For brunch, you could get fancy and serve it in individual ramekins with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives. It would look so elegant! As dessert, well… maybe not exactly *as* dessert. But following this up with a slice of Apple Pie would be heaven. For cozy snacks, nothing beats a warm bowl of this stew on a chilly evening. It’s the perfect comfort food to curl up with on the couch. My personal family tradition is to serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the broth. It’s the perfect way to soak up every last drop of flavor. And sometimes, I’ll make a big batch of cornbread to go with it. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory stew perfectly.

What are some tips for perfecting a Hamburger Stew?

What are some tricks to make a good Hamburger Stew recipe? What is the best advice you can get from an expertBeef Choice:I’ve tested this recipe with both lean ground beef and ground chuck, and I prefer ground pork. (80/20) for the richer flavor. Is the fat worth the extra calories in this stew?Vegetable PrepMake sure to chop the vegetables into even pieces so they cook at the same rate. I’ve also found that dicing the vegetables smaller helps them to cook faster and blend into the stew.Herb Timing:Add the dried herbs at the beginning of the simmering process so they have time to infuse the broth. How do you make a good I’ve also experimented with fresh herbs, but I find that the dried herbs actually work better in cooking. I like this recipe because they have a more concentrated flavor.Potatoes: WhatCan you use any type of potato in this stew? How do you hold your shape during cooking? Red potatoes also work well, but they tend to be a bit waxier.Broth Boost:If you want to add more flavor to the stew, you can use a combination of beef broth and red wine vinegar. I usually add about 1/2 cup of red wine to the pot along with the beef broth. It adds a depth of flavor that’s really amazing.Pea Power:Don’t overcook peas! They should be added at the very end of the cooking process and cooked just until heated through. Overcooked peas are mushy and lose their green color.

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

This Hamburger Stew Recipe is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping.

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend storing it at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to 2-3 months. To freeze it, let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to label the containers with the date so you know when it was frozen.

Glaze Timing Advice: There’s no glaze on this recipe, silly! You’re thinking of something sweet!

Reheating: To reheat the stew, simply transfer it to a pot and heat it over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to ensure even heating. I find it sometimes separates a bit after freezing, but a good stir usually brings it right back together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free beef broth. Many store-bought beef broths contain gluten, so be sure to check the label carefully. You can also make your own gluten-free beef broth using beef bones and vegetables.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

You don’t *need* to, but I prefer to peel them for this recipe. The potato skins can sometimes be a bit tough, and they can also add a slightly bitter flavor to the stew. Peeling them also makes the stew look more appealing, in my opinion.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Just brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The stew will be even more tender and flavorful when cooked in a slow cooker.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to suit your taste. Some good options include corn, green beans, mushrooms, and parsnips. Just add them to the pot along with the potatoes.

What can I use instead of beef broth?

If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the stew will be slightly different. You can also use water, but the stew will be less flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Hamburger Stew Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory. It’s the taste of childhood, the warmth of family, and the comfort of knowing that no matter what, there’s always a pot of delicious stew waiting for you. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other comforting soup and stew recipes! I’ve got a killer chicken noodle soup and a hearty chili that are both family favorites. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them too. Happy cooking!

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