Easy Hamburger Stew

If you’re searching for a meal that brings warmth, flavor, and simplicity to your dinner table, Easy Hamburger Stew is exactly what you need. This comforting dish combines hearty ground beef with a medley of vegetables and rich, savory broth, making it both filling and satisfying. Whether you’re pressed for time or craving something cozy on a chilly evening, Easy Hamburger Stew turns dinner into a delightful experience without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps get dinner on the table in no time.
• Hearty Comfort: Packed with protein and veggies, it satisfies hunger and warms you up from the inside out.
• Family Friendly: Mild flavors with familiar ingredients make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal.
• Budget Conscious: Uses affordable pantry staples without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Hamburger Stew lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering flavor, texture, and heartiness – from the savory beef to the tender vegetables and fragrant herbs.

• Ground Beef: The star protein that offers rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
• Onions: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
• Carrots: Provide a subtle crunch and a touch of natural sweetness to balance the stew.
• Potatoes: These hearty chunks soak up the broth, making the stew thick and filling.
• Celery: Gives a fresh, slightly peppery undertone that brightens the stew.
• Beef Broth: The base liquid to meld all the flavors and keep the stew moist and savory.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated richness and slight acidity, enhancing the stew’s complexity.
• Garlic: Infuses aromatic warmth to every bite.
• Bay Leaves: Subtle herbal notes that elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste that bring all ingredients together.

Variations for Easy Hamburger Stew

Easy Hamburger Stew is incredibly versatile, welcoming your personal touch whether you want to boost nutrition, adjust for dietary preferences, or explore different flavors. Feel free to tweak the ingredients without losing the stew’s comforting essence.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to bring some heat.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets to reduce carbs.
• Hearty Beans: Toss in kidney or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
• Herb Boost: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant twist.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meatless option.

How to Make Easy Hamburger Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink – this step builds the stew’s rich flavor base.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onions and garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, which unlocks essential flavors for the stew.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes, coating them in the beef mixture. This helps the vegetables absorb flavor as they cook.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Tomato Paste

Mix in beef broth and tomato paste, stirring thoroughly. Drop in bay leaves, then bring the stew to a simmer where all ingredients meld beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat, cover, and let the stew simmer gently for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. This slow cook ensures every bite is packed with comforting flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Hamburger Stew

• Brown the Meat Well: Taking time to brown the ground beef develops a deeper, richer flavor for the stew.
• Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste: It adds umami and thickens the broth, making the stew heartier.
• Cut Veg Uniformly: Chopping vegetables into similar sizes ensures even cooking throughout.
• Simmer Low and Slow: A gentle simmer keeps the stew tender and melds flavors without toughening ingredients.
• Adjust Liquid as Needed: If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce broth slightly, or add more for a soupier texture.

How to Serve Easy Hamburger Stew

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a pop of color and fresh flavor, perfectly balancing the stew’s richness.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm crusty bread, buttery dinner rolls, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal and soak up every last drop of stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-friendly twist, ladle the stew over fluffy mashed potatoes or rice. You can also stuff it into baked potatoes for a hearty handheld meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the stew completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Easy Hamburger Stew freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and store for up to 3 months for a convenient meal whenever you need.

Reheating

Thaw frozen stew overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to warm evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this stew for a leaner option, just watch cooking times as it can brown a bit faster than beef.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Easy Hamburger Stew is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and check labels on tomato paste.

How can I make the stew thicker?

You can thicken the stew by simmering it uncovered to reduce liquid, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking.

Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What type of potatoes works best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold up well in stew, offering creamy texture without falling apart during cooking.

Final Thoughts

Easy Hamburger Stew is more than just a dinner recipe – it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, simple enough to whip up on busy nights yet hearty enough to make any mealtime special. Give this recipe a try, and let it become a go-to for your family’s cozy dinners filled with flavor and warmth.

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