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