Hamburger Stew

There are some recipes that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and hamburger stew is one of them. This is the kind of dish that takes you straight back to cozy family dinners where a pot simmered away on the stove, filling the whole house with comforting aromas.

I first made this stew on a chilly evening when I needed something hearty yet simple, something that didn’t require fancy ingredients but still brought that homemade touch to the table. I wanted a recipe that was economical, nourishing, and satisfying enough to feed a hungry crowd. That’s where hamburger stew really shines—it’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and tastes like pure comfort.

If you’re looking for a meal that can be prepared in one pot, saves time on cleanup, and keeps everyone at the table happy, then this recipe will become a regular in your kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

this …

What makes hamburger stew so special is its versatility. It’s the kind of dish that can be tailored to whatever you have in your pantry or fridge. Don’t have fresh carrots? Frozen will work. Want to sneak in extra vegetables? Toss them in. Need to stretch the stew to feed more mouths? Just add a few more potatoes and broth.

I love this recipe because it feels like a cross between a hearty beef stew and a classic vegetable soup, but without the fuss of slow-cooked roasts or fancy cuts of meat. Using ground beef instead of stew meat makes it quicker and more affordable while still keeping that rich, savory flavor.

It’s also one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day. The flavors have time to mingle and deepen, making leftovers something to look forward to. And, if you’re cooking for kids or picky eaters, this is an easy way to get them to eat more vegetables without complaints.

The best part? It’s a recipe that anyone can make. Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone just learning to find their way around the kitchen, hamburger stew is approachable, forgiving, and delicious every single time.

Ingredients for Hamburger Stew

The beauty of this stew is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients—things you likely already have on hand. That’s why I like to call it a “pantry-friendly” recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make a big, hearty pot:

• Ground beef: The star of the dish. I prefer using lean ground beef (about 85/15) so the stew isn’t overly greasy but still has enough flavor.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best, cut into hearty chunks that hold their shape while simmering.
• Carrots: Sweetness and color for balance. I like to cut them into coins or half-moons.
• Celery: Adds a subtle flavor and extra texture.
• Onion: A must-have base for building depth.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves bring out that irresistible aroma.
• Canned diced tomatoes: They add body, acidity, and richness to the broth.
• Tomato paste: To deepen the stew’s flavor and give it a thicker consistency.
• Beef broth: A rich base that ties everything together.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and dried herbs like thyme or oregano give the stew that homey taste.
• Optional vegetables: Corn, peas, or green beans are excellent additions if you want extra nutrition or variety.

Every ingredient plays a role—nothing fancy, just wholesome flavors that combine to create a stew you’ll want to keep ladling into your bowl.

How Much Time Will You Need

Hamburger stew is wonderfully efficient. From start to finish, you’ll need about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

• Prep time: Around 15 minutes for chopping vegetables and browning the beef.
• Cooking time: About 30–40 minutes to let the stew simmer and the flavors develop.

It’s not one of those all-day stews that require hours of cooking, yet it still delivers a depth of flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering all afternoon.

How to Make This Hamburger Stew

Here’s the step-by-step guide to making a pot of hearty hamburger stew.

Step – 1: Brown the beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 6–7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if necessary.

Step – 2: Add aromatics
Stir in the chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the stew.

Step – 3: Incorporate the tomato base
Add the tomato paste and stir it into the beef and vegetables. This little step helps caramelize the paste slightly, making the flavor richer and deeper. Then, pour in the canned diced tomatoes.

Step – 4: Add vegetables and broth
Toss in the potatoes and carrots, then pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (that’s where the flavor hides).

Step – 5: Season and simmer
Add salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs. Drop in a bay leaf if you’re using one. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the potatoes and carrots cook evenly.

Step – 6: Taste and adjust
Once the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. At this point, you can stir in optional vegetables like peas or corn for extra sweetness and texture.

Step – 7: Serve hot
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve piping hot. It’s best enjoyed with crusty bread for dipping.

Substitutions

One of the reasons hamburger stew is such a favorite is because it’s flexible. You can swap ingredients to suit your taste or use what’s already in your kitchen.

• Meat: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or plant-based ground alternatives.
• Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweeter flavor and make the stew even more nutrient-rich.
• Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth works fine.
• Vegetables: This stew is a great way to use up odds and ends—zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans all work well.
• Seasonings: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes if you want a little more kick.

The best part about making substitutions is that you can give the dish your own personal spin every time you cook it.

Best Side Dish of Hamburger Stew

A hearty stew is always better when paired with the right side dishes. Here are three of my favorite accompaniments:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up the savory broth.
• Simple green salad – A refreshing side that balances the richness of the stew.
• Roasted vegetables – Adds another layer of warmth and makes the meal feel even more complete.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A big pot of stew may be rustic at heart, but the way you serve it can elevate the whole experience. Presentation matters because it turns a comforting bowl into a meal that feels special and intentional.

I like to serve hamburger stew in wide, deep bowls that allow plenty of room for the broth, vegetables, and meat. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the hearty flavors. If you have freshly grated Parmesan or cheddar, a light dusting can take it up a notch too.

Don’t forget the sides. A slice of warm crusty bread, served right alongside the bowl, invites everyone to dip and soak up every last spoonful of broth. And if you’re hosting, serving the stew family-style in a large Dutch oven at the center of the table creates a warm, communal feel that makes the meal memorable.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Better

The charm of hamburger stew is in its simplicity, but there are a few tricks that can help make it taste even more delicious:

• Brown the beef well: Don’t rush this step. Let the ground beef develop that deep, brown color—it adds so much flavor to the final dish.
• Layer the seasonings: Season as you go, not just at the end. Adding a pinch of salt while sautéing vegetables enhances their natural sweetness.
• Use a mix of potatoes: Combining starchy (like russets) and waxy (like Yukon Golds) gives the stew both body and tender chunks.
• Add a splash of acid: Just before serving, a small splash of red wine vinegar or Worcestershire sauce brightens the whole dish.
• Make it ahead: Like many stews, this one tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

These little tweaks don’t take extra time, but they do make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can trip us up if we’re not careful. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for when making hamburger stew:

• Overcooking the vegetables: If you simmer too long, potatoes and carrots can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and test for tenderness.
• Not draining excess grease: Leaving too much fat in the pot can make the stew feel heavy. Drain most of it, but leave a little for flavor.
• Skipping the tomato paste step: Adding it directly to the pan and cooking briefly before adding liquid helps unlock its rich, caramelized flavor.
• Under-seasoning: A pot of stew needs a good balance of salt, pepper, and herbs. Taste as you go and adjust.
• Serving it too thin: If your stew feels watery, let it simmer uncovered for an extra 10 minutes to thicken naturally.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your stew comes out flavorful and hearty every time.

How to Store It

Hamburger stew stores beautifully, which is one reason I love making a big pot.

• In the refrigerator: Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: For longer storage, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.

Storing properly not only makes leftovers easy but also means you can prep a batch ahead for quick weeknight dinners.

FAQ

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, absolutely. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your broth and tomato paste labels to be sure. Serve with gluten-free bread if needed.

What’s the best way to thicken hamburger stew?
If you like a thicker stew, you can mash a few potato chunks right in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Definitely. Frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables work wonderfully. Just add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking so they don’t turn mushy.

How can I make this stew more flavorful?
Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a small dash of soy sauce. These little additions can really enhance the savory depth.

Print