Hearty Hamburger Stew: A Comforting Family Favorite (Print Version)
Whip up this Hearty Hamburger Stew! It's a simple, warming meal packed with veggies and savory beef, perfect for chilly nights. So satisfying!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy-Free (if broth is)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Veggies & Thickeners
04 -
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
05 -
2 stalks celery, diced
06 -
3 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
07 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
→ Flavor Builders
08 -
4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
09 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
10 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 -
1 tsp dried thyme
12 -
1 bay leaf
13 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your biggest, heaviest pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in that ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want a beautiful brown crust here, not just grey meat. That browning, that's flavor, friends! When it's mostly browned, drain off any excess fat if there's a lot, but leave a tablespoon or two for the veggies. Honestly, the sizzle and smell at this stage always make my stomach rumble.
02 -
Reduce the heat a bit to medium. Now, add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef drippings. Stir them around, letting them soften up for about 5-7 minutes. You're looking for them to get tender and a little translucent, not browned. Then, toss in that minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it's fragrant. Don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made before, and burnt garlic is just sad.
03 -
Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed veggies and beef. Stir it in well and let it cook for about a minute. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and creates a roux that will thicken our Hearty Hamburger Stew. Next, slowly pour in the beef broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir constantly to avoid lumps—nobody wants lumpy stew, right?
04 -
Now for the good stuff! Add the diced tomatoes (undrained!), cubed potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This is where the magic happens, all those flavors melding together. I usually let it go for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
05 -
Once the potatoes are tender, take a moment to taste your Hearty Hamburger Stew. This is crucial! Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Maybe a tiny dash more Worcestershire? Adjust seasonings to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away. Pull out that bay leaf—it's done its job!
06 -
Ladle that glorious Hearty Hamburger Stew into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you have it. It just adds a pop of color and freshness that makes it feel complete. Serve it hot with some crusty bread for dipping, or maybe a simple side salad. It's truly a satisfying meal, and honestly, the smell filling your kitchen right now is the best part!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the beef, or it'll steam instead of sear. Trust me, I've done it too many times!
02 -
This stew tastes even better the next day, so it's a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
03 -
No potatoes? Sweet potatoes work beautifully for a slightly different, sweeter twist.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving really brightens everything up, both visually and flavor-wise.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 -
wooden spoon
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 28g