01 -
First things first, grab your biggest, heaviest pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it to brown nicely, getting those delicious caramelized bits. This is where so much flavor starts for your Hamburger Stew Recipe! I always see the fat rendering and smell that rich, meaty aroma. Once it's nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. Honestly, I always forget to do this until I see a little too much grease, but it’s an easy fix!
02 -
With the beef pushed aside, or removed if there's a lot of fat, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir them around, letting them soften for about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet, earthy aroma filling your kitchen – it's just wonderful! This step builds the foundation of flavor. I’ve definitely been impatient here before and rushed it, and the stew just wasn't as deep and satisfying, so take your time.
03 -
Now, stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Let it cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly. You'll notice the tomato paste deepening in color and smelling almost toasty. This little trick really brings out its sweetness and richness. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir it all in. Oh, the smells! It’s all coming together.
04 -
Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes (undrained!). Add the bay leaf, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it's bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This is where the magic happens for your Hamburger Stew Recipe – all those flavors melding together. I usually let it go for at least 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender. Don't peek too much, let it do its thing!
05 -
After about 20 minutes of simmering, add your cubed potatoes to the pot. Give everything a good stir, making sure the potatoes are submerged in the liquid. Continue simmering until the potatoes are tender. This is where I always taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes I find it needs a little more broth, sometimes a splash of water, depending on how thick I want it. Kitchen chaos, but it works!
06 -
Finally, stir in the frozen peas and cook for just another 2-3 minutes, just until they're heated through and bright green. Remove the bay leaf before serving. The stew should look rich, thick, and utterly inviting. It just smells like home, you know? Ladle this glorious Hamburger Stew Recipe into bowls and get ready for some serious comfort. It's truly a sight for sore eyes, especially on a cold evening!