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
- 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.
- Introduce minced garlic to the aromatic mixture, stirring quickly for 30 seconds to release its essence without burning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cascade beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning into the pot. Integrate diced potatoes and sliced carrots, elevating heat to trigger a vigorous boil.
- 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.
- 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