Easy Hamburger Stew
Easy Hamburger Stew is a warm, flavorful, and comforting one-pot meal featuring hearty ground beef combined with a variety of vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings, this simple recipe delivers a satisfying, family-friendly dinner with minimal effort and affordable ingredients.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Proteins
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped into chunks
Liquids & Condiments
- 4 cups beef broth (gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Herbs & Spices
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink, creating a rich flavor base.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, unlocking the stew’s essential flavors.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes, coating them well in the beef mixture so they absorb flavor while cooking.
- Pour in Broth and Tomato Paste: Mix in the beef broth and tomato paste thoroughly. Drop in the bay leaves, then bring the stew to a gentle simmer to meld all flavors together.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
Notes
- Brown the Meat Well: Properly browning the ground beef deepens the stew’s flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste: It adds umami and thickens the broth for a heartier texture.
- Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Ensures even cooking throughout the stew.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Maintains tender ingredients and melds flavors without toughening.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Use less broth for a thicker stew or more for a soupier texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: hamburger stew, easy stew recipe, ground beef stew, one-pot meal, comforting dinner, gluten-free stew