Cozy Hamburger Stew Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Hearty hamburger stew combines comfort and flavor in a single pot of deliciousness.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back with each savory spoonful.

Tender beef chunks mingle with colorful vegetables, creating a meal that warms both body and soul.

Robust seasonings dance across your palate, promising a satisfying dining experience.

Cold evenings call for this nourishing and simple recipe that comes together quickly.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this stew delivers a complete meal in one pot.

Let your kitchen fill with mouthwatering aromas that will have everyone eagerly waiting at the table.

How To Store Hamburger Stew The Simple Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the stew fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Pour stew into a saucepan, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying.

Hamburger Stew FAQ You’ll Want

• What makes this ground beef stew different from traditional beef stew?

This version uses ground beef instead of cubed beef, which creates a quicker cooking process and allows seasonings to blend more easily into the meat.

• Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew actually tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop and meld together, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy families.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Ground beef is typically less expensive than stew meat, and the recipe uses affordable vegetables and pantry staples, making it a cost-effective meal option.

• How can I make this stew more filling?

Add more potatoes or consider serving it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, which will increase the meal’s heartiness and satisfaction.

What Makes Hamburger Stew So Comforting

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This ground beef stew delivers pure culinary comfort with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying hunger with hearty ingredients.
• Master One-Pot Cooking: Single skillet preparation means less cleanup and maximum flavor development, making meal preparation smooth and stress-free.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with colorful vegetables and protein-rich ground beef, this recipe appeals to all ages and ensures everyone leaves the table happy.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting home cooks personalize the stew according to family preferences and pantry contents.

What Goes Into Hamburger Stew

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness and protein to the stew.

• Onions: A foundational ingredient that adds sweet and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create a comforting and substantial texture in the stew.
• Carrots: Sweet root vegetables that contribute natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A convenient blend that adds variety and nutritional value to the meal.

• Beef Broth: A savory liquid that enhances the overall depth and moisture of the stew.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy brightness and helps create a rich, robust sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the stew's base.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a complex, umami flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the stew's overall taste profile.

How To Cook Hamburger Stew Step By Step

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and break it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat turns a deep golden brown and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Drain and Set Aside

Transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess fat, keeping a small amount in the pan for the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, cook the chopped onions until they become translucent and develop a light caramel color, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 4: Build the Vegetable Base

• Diced potatoes
• Sliced carrots

Stir the vegetables to coat them with the remaining beef drippings and begin softening.

Step 5: Create the Stew Liquid

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste

Mix thoroughly to create a rich, robust base for the stew.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet. Stir to integrate all components evenly.

Step 7: Season and Enhance

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drizzle Worcestershire sauce to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Step 8: Add Frozen Vegetables

Gently stir in frozen mixed vegetables, ensuring they’re distributed evenly throughout the stew.

Step 9: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the stew simmer for 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become perfectly tender.

Step 10: Final Taste and Serve

Do a quick taste test and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the steaming stew into deep bowls, ready to warm and satisfy.

Helpful Notes For Hamburger Stew

• Optimize Meat Browning: Break ground beef into tiny crumbles for even cooking and maximum flavor development, ensuring no pink remains and achieving a golden-brown exterior.
• Drain Excess Fat Smartly: Use a paper towel-lined plate to remove extra grease, keeping just enough to enhance vegetable sautéing and prevent a greasy final dish.
• Layer Vegetable Flavors: Sauté onions first to caramelize and release natural sweetness, then add potatoes and carrots to absorb the meat's rich residual flavors.
• Control Simmering Time: Keep heat low and cover the skillet to allow ingredients to blend seamlessly, creating a tender and deeply flavored stew in 25-30 minutes.

Tasty Changes For Hamburger Stew

• Spicy Southwest Style: Replace mixed vegetables with corn, black beans, and add jalapeños for a zesty kick, incorporating chili powder and cumin for authentic southwestern flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap beef broth with vegetable stock, add oregano, basil, and use lamb instead of ground beef, creating a Mediterranean-inspired profile with kalamata olives.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, use bone broth for extra nutrition, and include zucchini for additional vegetable content, perfect for keto dieters.

Great Pairings For Hamburger Stew

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust cabernet sauvignon or merlot complement the hearty beef stew, cutting through rich meat flavors and enhancing overall dining experience.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread works perfectly for soaking up delicious stew juices, adding textural contrast and satisfying carbohydrate element.
• Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Crisp mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette provide light, refreshing balance against the stew's deep, warming flavors, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Craft Beer Match: Amber ale or dark porter beer offers complementary malty notes that harmonize with beef's richness, creating a comforting and satisfying culinary combination.

Hamburger Stew Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty hamburger stew brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables across American kitchens. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and rich broth, this classic one-pot meal satisfies hungry souls with its simple yet delicious combination of ingredients you’ll crave.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb hamburger meat

Vegetables:

• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat, ensuring the cooking surface is ready for browning the ground beef.
2. Add ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking until no pink remains and a rich golden-brown color develops, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Transfer the browned meat to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving a small amount in the pan for sautéing vegetables.
4. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions until translucent and slightly caramelized, releasing their sweet aromatics.
5. Add diced potatoes and sliced carrots, stirring to combine and allow vegetables to begin softening and absorbing the meat’s flavorful residue.
6. Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste into the vegetable mixture, stirring to create a rich, hearty base for the stew.
7. Reintroduce the browned ground beef to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to integrate all ingredients.
8. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper across the stew, then drizzle Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
9. Incorporate frozen mixed vegetables, stirring gently to distribute evenly throughout the stew.
10. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.
11. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
12. Serve hot, preferably in deep bowls that showcase the stew’s hearty texture and rich, comforting essence.

Notes

• Beef Selection Matters: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor and ensuring a hearty, not greasy stew.
• Vegetable Versatility: Swap frozen mixed vegetables with seasonal fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans to add vibrant colors and nutritional variety.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers satisfying texture and taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prepping and quick weeknight dinners with minimal preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg