Hamburger Stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It’s full of ground beef, tender vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions, all simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. The stew has that warm, homey feeling that makes you want to curl up with a big bowl and a cozy blanket.
I love making this stew when I want something easy but satisfying. It’s one of those meals that fills the house with a mouthwatering smell that makes everyone gather in the kitchen. I like to brown the hamburger first to get a nice depth of flavor before adding the veggies and broth. It’s simple but so rewarding!
This stew tastes great on its own, but I enjoy serving it with some crusty bread or a side salad to round out the meal. It’s also fantastic as leftovers because the flavors get even better the next day. Whenever I make Hamburger Stew, it reminds me of family dinners where everyone slows down, relaxes, and enjoys good food together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the stew, providing rich flavor and texture. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For more flavor, choose beef with around 80% lean to 20% fat.
Potatoes: They add heartiness and soak up the stew’s flavors nicely. Yukon gold or red potatoes work best since they hold their shape well. You can swap with sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and added color.
Tomatoes & Broth: The diced tomatoes bring acidity, balancing the rich meat, while the beef broth adds deep flavor. If you want more depth, use homemade broth or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Vegetables: Carrots, peas, and corn give sweetness and color. Fresh or frozen veggies work well—just add frozen peas and corn near the end to keep them bright and tender.
How Do You Get the Richest Flavor from Ground Beef in Stew?
Browning the ground beef well is key. It creates a deep, tasty base that makes the stew stand out. Here’s how:
- Heat your pot over medium-high and add oil.
- Add ground beef without crowding. Let it brown undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring.
- Break the meat up as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly.
- Remove extra fat if there’s too much—it keeps the stew from becoming greasy.
- Add onions and garlic after browning to build layers of flavor.
Taking the time here pays off with a stew that’s full-bodied and satisfying every spoonful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – I like it because it distributes heat evenly and keeps everything from sticking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring the beef and vegetables without scratching the pan.
- Measuring spoons and cups – help you get the seasonings just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for peeling and dicing potatoes, carrots, and onions.
- Can opener – needed for the diced tomatoes and other canned ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner stew, or add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Cheese twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or sprinkle on Parmesan before serving for a cheesy touch.
- Veggie boost: Add chopped celery, green beans, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Spice it up: Mix in some chili powder, cumin, or tabasco for a spicy kick.
How to Make Hamburger Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (hamburger)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hamburger Stew takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 35 minutes to cook, making it just under an hour from start to finish. Most of that time is simmering, so you can relax or prepare a side dish while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat until it’s fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If there is too much fat, carefully drain some off.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and you smell their lovely aroma.
3. Add Spices and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about a minute to blend the flavors.
4. Pour in Liquids and Tomatoes:
Pour in the beef broth and the canned diced tomatoes (including the juice). Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add Potatoes and Carrots and Simmer:
Carefully add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Stir in Frozen Peas and Corn:
Add the frozen peas and corn and cook for another 5 minutes, just until they’re warmed through.
7. Final Seasoning and Serve:
Taste the stew and add more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the warm stew into bowls, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Enjoy your comforting, homey Hamburger Stew!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for Hamburger Stew?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even browning and prevents excess moisture in the stew.
Can I Prepare the Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Hamburger Stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. Just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How Do I Thicken Hamburger Stew if It’s Too Thin?
If your stew is thinner than you like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering stew. Cook for a few more minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
