Hamburger Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that fills your kitchen with delicious smells and your belly with warm satisfaction. It’s made with ground beef, tender vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and a rich tomato-based broth that all simmer together into a perfect, filling meal.
I love making this stew on chilly days because it’s simple to prepare and tastes even better the next day. The beef gets nice and tender, and the veggies soak up all those cozy flavors. I usually brown the meat first to add extra flavor—that step makes such a difference! It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big, warm hug in a bowl.
My favorite way to serve hamburger stew is with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all that tasty broth. It’s also great to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day. Whenever I make this, it brings back memories of family dinners and relaxed weekends, and I hope it becomes one of your go-to comfort meals too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef keeps the stew hearty but not greasy. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter touch. For extra richness, mix in a bit of ground pork.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and green bell pepper add great texture and color. You can swap potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor or add celery for more crunch.
Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes: Tomato paste deepens the stew’s flavor. If you don’t have fresh or canned tomatoes, you can use tomato sauce, but reduce the broth a little.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth if you want to control salt. Vegetable broth works too if you want a milder taste or a bit of a lighter stew.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Browning the Ground Beef?
Browning your ground beef well is key for flavor. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat your pan with oil first until hot but not smoking.
- Add beef in chunks, don’t overcrowd the pan, so it can brown instead of steam.
- Flip and break apart the meat little by little, letting it get a nice brown crust.
- Drain extra fat once browned to keep the stew from being greasy.
This step builds a rich base for your stew and makes all the difference.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – I like this size because it gives enough room for the ingredients to cook evenly and helps develop flavors.
- Wooden or silicone spoon – perfect for stirring and scraping the bottom without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep everything balanced and easy to follow.
- Knives and cutting board – essential for chopping vegetables and herbs safely and quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner stew.
- Add sliced mushrooms or corn kernels for more texture and flavor.
- Stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce for an extra flavor kick.
- Mix in chopped green beans or zucchini during the last 10 minutes for added freshness and nutrients.
Hamburger Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hamburger stew takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to cook. So, expect a total time of about 50-55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the stew rich but not greasy.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
To the pot with beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook for about 1 minute to let those flavors really come alive.
4. Add Vegetables and Broth:
Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, green bell pepper, beef broth, diced tomatoes (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Mix it all together well.
5. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Finish with Peas:
Stir in the frozen peas and cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Taste and Serve:
Give the stew a taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve it hot, topped with fresh chopped parsley, and maybe some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen carrots, peas, or bell peppers work just fine. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Hamburger Stew?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
Is There a Way to Thicken the Stew?
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering stew. Let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened to your liking.
