Hamburger Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s made with ground beef, tender vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and a rich, flavorful broth that all come together in one warm pot. The soft potatoes and juicy beef make each bite satisfying and filling.
I love making this stew because it’s so easy and forgiving—you can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, and it still turns out delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ground beef in a different way besides just burgers or meatloaf. I sometimes add a touch of tomato paste or Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor, which gives it a nice, cozy depth.
My favorite way to enjoy hamburger stew is with some crusty bread or warm biscuits to soak up all the tasty juices. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and everyone in the family always asks for seconds. Whenever I make it, the house fills with that wonderful home-cooked smell that just makes you feel good inside.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the star here, giving your stew rich flavor and hearty texture. I like using 80/20 ground beef for a good fat balance. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but the stew will be less juicy.
Potatoes: They thicken the stew and add comfort. Russet or Yukon Gold work best. If you want, swap with sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and extra nutrients.
Carrots & bell pepper: These veggies add sweetness and color. If bell peppers aren’t your thing, green beans or peas can be good alternatives.
Diced tomatoes & tomato paste: These give a nice body to the broth and deepen the flavor. If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use a bit more diced tomatoes or even some ketchup for a hint of sweetness.
Beef broth: Base for the stew’s liquid. If you’re vegetarian or don’t have beef broth, vegetable broth works well. Just remember it’s less rich.
How Do You Get Perfectly Tender Vegetables Without Mushy Beef?
Balancing the cooking times of your veggies and meat is key. Here’s how I do it:
- First, brown the beef well to lock in juices and add flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Add sturdy veggies like potatoes and carrots after the beef is browned so they have plenty of time to soften without overcooking the meat.
- Simmer gently rather than boiling hard. This low heat helps everything cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but don’t stir too much to avoid breaking the potatoes apart.
- If using quicker-cooking veggies, add them later in the simmering process to keep a nice texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – I like this because it distributes heat evenly and fits all the ingredients comfortably.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – makes chopping the vegetables quick and safe.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring everything without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring spoons and cups – keep your ingredients just right for the best flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner taste.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Include extra veggies like peas, green beans, or corn to change up the texture and color.
- Stir in a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra umami flavor.
How to Make Hamburger Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hamburger stew takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to cook. So in less than an hour, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until you can smell that nice aroma.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up into small pieces, cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. If there is extra fat, drain it off to keep the stew from being greasy.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, and green bell pepper. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the veggies start to soften.
4. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce if using, along with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
5. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors blend beautifully. Stir every now and then to keep things from sticking to the bottom.
6. Finish and Serve:
Give the stew a taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It’s great on its own or with crusty bread or warm biscuits to soak up all the delicious juices.
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Hamburger Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers. Just add them a bit later in the cooking process since they cook faster than fresh veggies. Make sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess water before adding to avoid thinning the stew.
How Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the stew as directed, then let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef With Another Meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work well as substitutes. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may produce less fat, so you might want to add a little oil when browning to keep the stew flavorful and moist.
