Description
This hearty hamburger stew is a one-pot wonder that combines ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility—you can use what you already have on hand and it still comes out tasting delicious. With its rustic charm and comforting flavors, it’s the kind of meal that feels like it’s been simmering all day, even though it only takes about an hour from start to finish. Make a big pot, and you’ll have leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot, draining excess grease.
- Add onions, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and broth. Stir well.
- Season with thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in peas or corn if using, and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving hot.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce before serving. If you like a thicker stew, mash a few potato chunks into the broth or let it simmer uncovered a bit longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg