Hearty Hamburger Stew Recipe: A One-Pot Wonder (Print Version)

Hearty Hamburger Stew Recipe: Enjoy a delicious, comforting bowl of tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and rich broth. A perfect family dinner!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy-Free (if broth allows)

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
03 - 1 large onion, chopped
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
05 - 2 celery stalks, chopped
06 - 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 4 cups beef broth, low sodium
08 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 tsp garlic powder
12 - 1 tsp onion powder
13 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

16 - 1 cup frozen peas
17 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

# Instructions:

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!

# Notes:

01 - To get those really deep flavors, don't rush the browning of the beef; those caramelized bits are essential!
02 - Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop; microwaving can sometimes make the sauce separate a little.
03 - If you're out of potatoes, sweet potatoes work surprisingly well for a slightly different, sweeter twist.
04 - Serve with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that delicious, savory broth!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - wooden spoon
03 - cutting board
04 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g