Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hamburger Stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for any season, especially when you’re looking for something warm and satisfying. This one-pot dish is simple to make, loaded with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas, and is sure to please everyone at the table. The best part? It’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables or seasonings you have on hand, making it a versatile and budget-friendly meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, Hamburger Stew will quickly become a go-to recipe.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

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 until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary, then set the beef aside.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Add the Vegetables and Broth:

Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and peas (or mixed vegetables) to the pot. Stir to combine.
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer the Stew:

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Let the stew simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Thicken the Stew (Optional):

If you’d like a thicker stew, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking, then let it simmer until thickened.

6. Serve:

Taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
Serve the Hamburger Stew warm, with crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or celery to customize the stew.
Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce, a chopped jalapeño, or some red pepper flakes to give the stew a spicy kick.
Ground turkey or chicken: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef for a lighter version of this stew.
Herb variations: Try adding rosemary, basil, or parsley for additional flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Hamburger Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This stew freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed. You can also microwave individual servings.

FAQs

1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes! To make this stew in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

2. Can I make this stew without potatoes?

Yes, you can omit the potatoes if you prefer. You can add extra carrots or another type of vegetable, like parsnips, for added texture.

3. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, Hamburger Stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also tastes great the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.

4. How can I make the stew spicier?

If you like spice, add some chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the stew. You can adjust the heat level to your liking.

5. Can I add beans to this stew?

Yes, adding beans such as kidney beans or white beans can enhance the flavor and make the stew even more filling.

6. How can I make this stew thicker without cornstarch?

If you don’t want to use cornstarch, you can mash some of the potatoes and carrots in the stew to naturally thicken it. You can also simmer the stew uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the broth.

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version of the stew. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

8. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh. Just add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking so they don’t become too soft.

9. Can I make this stew in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make Hamburger Stew in the Instant Pot. After browning the beef, sauté the onions and garlic, then add the vegetables and broth. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, then release the pressure and serve.

10. Can I make this stew in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook this stew in a pressure cooker. Once the beef is browned and the vegetables are added, cook under high pressure for about 20 minutes, then naturally release the pressure.

Conclusion

Hamburger Stew is the ultimate comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly days or feeding a hungry family. This one-pot meal is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner or as part of your weekly meal rotation, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve it with a slice of bread or crackers, and enjoy every hearty bite!

Hamburger Stew

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-65 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Hamburger Stew is a comforting, hearty dish made with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth. This easy-to-make, one-pot meal is perfect for chilly days and customizable with any vegetables or seasonings you have on hand. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a filling, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat, then set the beef aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Vegetables and Broth:
Add diced potatoes, carrots, and peas (or mixed vegetables) to the pot. Stir to combine. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors meld together.
Thicken the Stew (Optional):
For a thicker stew, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken.
Serve:
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Notes

Vegetable Variations: You can add extra vegetables like corn, green beans, or celery for more variety.Spicy Option: Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.Lean Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this stew.