Hamburger stew is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the rich flavor of ground beef with tender vegetables and a savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is simple to prepare and offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that the whole family will enjoy. The convenience of cooking it all in one pot not only makes for a quicker cleanup but also allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can easily whip up this delicious meal after a long day.
- Easy Cooking: The one-pot method simplifies the cooking process, making it ideal for beginner cooks.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in a single pot means less time spent washing dishes.
- Familiar Ingredients: Featuring common pantry staples, this stew is affordable and easy to put together.
- Make-Ahead Usefulness: This stew keeps well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: This stew is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers based on your family’s preferences.
- Broth: For a richer flavor, opt for homemade beef broth; however, store-bought works well too.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Hamburger Stew
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s well browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring them in with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
Step 3: Add Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the carrots, potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Season & Serve
Once the vegetables are tender, taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
- Browning Matters: Ensure that you brown the ground beef well to enhance the flavor of the stew.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the stew to simmer gently so the flavors develop beautifully.
- Moisture Management: If the stew is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Use Fresh Herbs: For added flavor, consider garnishing the stew with fresh parsley or thyme.
- Storing Leftovers: Let the stew cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Options: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, sausage, or even diced chicken.
- Vegetable Additions: You can incorporate other veggies such as zucchini or corn for extra nutrition.
- Grain Swaps: Serve the stew over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread instead of by itself.
What to Serve With Hamburger Stew
Hamburger stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a fuller meal, serve it with mashed potatoes or over a bed of rice.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer
Hamburger stew freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth as necessary to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. How can I thicken the stew?
You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
4. Can I add pasta to this stew?
Yes, if you’d like to add pasta, cook it separately and stir it in right before serving to avoid mushiness.
5. What is the best way to store leftovers?
Allow the stew to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Conclusion
Hamburger stew is a versatile, family-friendly dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. If you’re looking for more delicious variations or tips, you can explore a range of hamburger stew recipes at Salt & Lavender, or try a slow cooker version with the recipe from Cook At Home Mom. For traditional take, check out the Old-Fashioned Hamburger Stew Recipe on Allrecipes, or glean new ideas from Taste of Home’s collection. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Hamburger Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth Opt for homemade for richer flavor.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste Salt
- to taste pepper
- for cooking drizzle Olive oil Use to brown the beef.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s well browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
Cooking
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
