Hamburger Stew Recipe

Hearty Hamburger Stew Recipe: A Warm Bowl of Comfort

Hearty and comforting, this delectable hamburger stew recipe brings warmth to your dinner table with its rich, savory flavors.

Ground beef simmers alongside tender vegetables in a robust broth that promises pure satisfaction.

Packed with nutrients and easy to prepare, the stew delivers a complete meal in one pot.

Robust seasonings dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of taste that speaks to home-cooked goodness.

Every bite tells a story of classic comfort food done right.

The ingredients blend seamlessly, transforming simple components into a soul-warming dish.

You’ll find this stew perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a filling, no-fuss meal that everyone will love.

What Makes Hamburger Stew So Comforting

What Makes Hamburger Stew So Comforting
  • Carefully sautéing onions and celery creates a rich, deep taste profile that elevates the entire stew, making every spoonful deliciously satisfying.
  • This hamburger stew delivers hearty, home-style goodness with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for beginners and busy home cooks who want a filling meal without complicated techniques.
  • Economical ground beef and simple vegetables combine into a nutritious, warming dish that stretches your grocery budget while providing maximum flavor and nutrition for the whole family.
  • Prepare a complete meal in a single pot with minimal cleanup, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying a delicious, wholesome dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Homemade Hamburger Stew

Main Ingredients:
  • Lean Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides a rich and satisfying base for the stew.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add substance and help thicken the stew.
  • Carrots: Sweet root vegetables that bring color and natural sweetness to the dish.
Aromatics and Flavor Builders:
  • Onion, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that create a deep flavor foundation for the stew.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds intense flavor and depth to the dish.
  • Tomato Paste: A concentrated tomato product that enhances the overall richness of the stew.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds complexity and traditional Mediterranean flavor.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that creates the stew's base and helps cook the vegetables.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds depth and umami to the stew.
  • Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a more substantial and creamy texture.
  • Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Frozen Peas: A sweet and tender vegetable that adds color and nutritional value.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.

How to Make a Hearty Hamburger Stew

How to Make a Hearty Hamburger Stew

Step 1: Kickstart The Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add chopped onions and celery, sizzling them until they become soft and glassy, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

This initial step creates a delicious foundation for your hamburger stew.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Toss in minced garlic and cook briefly, just until the kitchen fills with its wonderful fragrance.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 3: Transform The Ground Beef

Introduce ground beef into the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Stir continuously until the meat browns completely and loses its pink color, which typically takes around 8 minutes.

Drain any extra grease if needed.

Step 4: Build The Stew’s Body

Dust flour over the beef mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.

This helps create a rich, thick texture.

Next, blend in tomato paste, ensuring everything gets evenly coated.

Step 5: Combine Liquid Ingredients

Pour in:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Italian seasoning

Mix thoroughly.

Add diced potatoes and sliced carrots.

Crank the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil.

Step 6: Slow Cook To Perfection

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot slightly, allowing steam to escape.

Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Potatoes and carrots should become tender.

Adjust liquid by adding more broth if needed.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Stir in frozen peas during the last few minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to your preference.

Serve hot and enjoy your hearty hamburger stew.

Tips for a Flavorful Hamburger Stew

  • Sauté onions and celery at medium heat to develop rich flavors without scorching, ensuring a solid foundation for your stew's taste profile.
  • Break ground beef into small pieces while cooking to promote even browning and prevent excess liquid, creating a more concentrated flavor.
  • Sprinkle flour gradually and stir consistently to avoid lumps, helping create a smooth, hearty texture without unwanted clumps.
  • Monitor stew consistency during simmering by adding extra broth if too thick or removing lid to reduce if too thin, maintaining perfect texture.
  • Add frozen peas at the end to preserve their bright color and fresh taste, then taste and adjust seasoning for a perfectly balanced dish.

Storing and Reheating Hamburger Stew

  • Transfer cooled stew into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Package stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Place stew in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving corner slightly open. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour stew into saucepan. Add splash of beef broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Heat slowly to prevent burning and maintain original texture.

What Goes Great with Hamburger Stew

  • Perfect Pairing Companions
  • Craft a Robust Red Wine Companion: Grab a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the hearty beef flavors. These wines offer rich, bold tastes that beautifully match the stew's deep, meaty profile.
  • Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Choose a rustic sourdough or country-style bread with a crispy exterior and soft interior. Tear chunks of bread to soak up the delicious stew broth, creating a satisfying texture combination.
  • Create a Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette dressing. The crisp, acidic notes will cut through the stew's richness, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the warm, comforting dish.
  • Enhance with Pickled Vegetable Accent: Add a small side of quick-pickled cucumber or tangy pickled onions. These bright, zingy accompaniments will provide a palate-cleansing element that helps highlight the stew's deep, savory flavors.

Tasty Hamburger Stew Recipe Twists

  • Gluten-Free Hamburger Stew: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the stew's rich flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Ground Beef Alternative: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, creating a protein-packed meal that mimics the original recipe's hearty texture and satisfying taste.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content and adding a lighter, nutritious spin to the classic hamburger stew.
  • One-Pot Instant Pot Adaptation: Transform the recipe into a quick pressure cooker meal by using an Instant Pot, reducing cooking time while preserving the stew's deep, comforting flavors and tender meat texture.

FAQs

  • Is Hamburger Stew a healthy meal?

Hamburger Stew is a nutritious one-pot meal packed with lean protein from ground beef, vegetables like carrots and potatoes, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and balanced nutrients.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or nutritional needs.

  • How can I make this stew more flavorful?

Enhance the flavor by using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, adding a splash of red wine while cooking, or including additional spices like smoked paprika or bay leaves for extra depth.

  • Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, Hamburger Stew is an economical dish that uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, basic vegetables, and pantry staples, making it a cost-effective meal for families.

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Hamburger Stew Recipe

Hamburger Stew Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty hamburger stew serves up comfort in a bowl, blending rich ground beef with tender vegetables and savory broth. Warm, satisfying flavors will transport you to grandma’s kitchen, making this classic dish perfect for chilly evenings when home-cooked goodness calls.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 sticks celery, chopped
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Transform the soup pot into a flavor haven by heating olive oil over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing chopped onions and celery for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the aromatic mixture, stirring quickly for 30 seconds to release its essence without burning.
  3. Incorporate lean ground beef into the vegetable base, methodically breaking it apart and stirring continuously until completely browned and cooked through, approximately 8 minutes. Eliminate excess fat if necessary.
  4. Dust flour across the beef mixture, allowing it to toast for 1-2 minutes while stirring consistently. Blend in tomato paste, ensuring complete coverage and creating a rich foundation.
  5. Cascade beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning into the pot. Integrate diced potatoes and sliced carrots, elevating heat to trigger a vigorous boil.
  6. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer after boiling, partially covering the pot to allow steam circulation. Maintain a 30-minute cooking interval, stirring periodically until vegetables reach tender perfection. Adjust liquid consistency by adding broth or extending uncovered cooking time.
  7. Finalize the stew by folding in frozen peas during the last cooking moments. Season comprehensively with salt and pepper, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Notes

  • Master flavor development by sautéing vegetables slowly, allowing their natural sugars to caramelize and create a deep, rich base for the stew.
  • Prevent garlic from burning by adding it after onions and cooking briefly, which ensures a nutty, aromatic flavor without bitterness.
  • Control meat fat content by using lean ground beef and draining excess grease, making the stew lighter and healthier without sacrificing taste.
  • Customize texture by adjusting liquid levels – add more broth for a soupier consistency or simmer uncovered to thicken the stew naturally.
  • Enhance protein variety by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences like low-fat or vegetarian options.
  • Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to increase vitamin and mineral content.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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