Hamburger Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels warm and filling, perfect for chilly days or when you want something simple but satisfying. The stew’s chunky texture, with soft potatoes and carrots mingling with savory beef, makes it a family favorite.
I love making hamburger stew because it’s so easy to throw together and can simmer on the stove, filling the house with a cozy smell. I usually add a bit of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of ketchup to boost the flavor, and I’ve found that letting it cook slowly really helps all the ingredients come together in the best way. It’s also a great recipe to customize — you can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand.
When I serve hamburger stew, I like to scoop it into big bowls and pair it with warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s one of those meals that everyone tends to go back for seconds of, and it often brings out stories and smiles around the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot when you need a good, comforting dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the star of the stew and adds hearty flavor. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer richer stew, select beef with some fat, like 80/20, to keep it juicy.
Potatoes & carrots: These veggies give the stew a comforting texture and sweetness. Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape well, but russets or red potatoes work fine too. You can swap carrots for parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist.
Beef broth: Adds depth and moisture to the stew. If you don’t have broth, use vegetable broth or even water with a beef bouillon cube. Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt better.
Tomato paste & diced tomatoes: These add richness and a slight tang. If canned tomatoes aren’t your thing, just use tomato paste and a splash of ketchup or Worcestershire sauce for flavor.
Frozen peas: Added near the end for a pop of color and sweetness. Fresh peas can be used when in season, or swap for frozen green beans or corn.
How Can You Get Perfectly Tender Veggies Without Overcooking the Beef?
Balancing tender vegetables with perfectly cooked meat can be tricky in stew. Here’s how I do it:
- Cook beef first: Browning the ground beef separately ensures it gets a nice texture without becoming mushy.
- Simmer gently: After adding veggies and broth, bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover to simmer slowly. This lets potatoes and carrots soften without the beef breaking down.
- Add peas last: Frozen peas only need a few minutes to cook. Adding them in the final 5 minutes keeps their bright color and fresh flavor intact.
- Check veggies often: Test potatoes and carrots with a fork starting at 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
This approach helps you balance all the textures for a delicious, well-rounded stew every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – I like this because it heats evenly and lets me cook everything in one pot.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring the beef and vegetables without scratching the pan.
- Chef’s knife – makes chopping carrots, potatoes, and onions quick and easy.
- Cutting board – keeps your workspace neat and knives sharp.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to add just the right amount of seasonings and broth.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner stew.
- Add chopped celery or bell peppers to give the stew extra crunch and flavor.
- Include a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for a richer taste.
- Sprinkle in some grated cheese or dollop sour cream when serving for extra creaminess.
Hamburger Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hamburger Stew takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 40 minutes simmering time. So, in total, plan for roughly 55 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Onions and Garlic
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened—about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell the lovely aroma.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until it’s all nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s extra fat pooling, carefully drain it out.
3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for a couple of minutes while you stir; this helps all the flavors come together beautifully.
4. Add Veggies, Broth, and Simmer
Pour in the diced carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and add the bay leaf. If you’re using the canned diced tomatoes, add them now too. Bring everything to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
5. Finish with Peas and Seasoning
Five minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir the frozen peas into the stew. Let them warm through, then remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and add more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the warm stew into bowls and sprinkle with some fresh parsley. It’s wonderful served with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Stew?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and prevents extra moisture from making the stew watery.
Can I Make Hamburger Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often develop even more after sitting overnight. Store the cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
How Can I Thicken the Stew If It’s Too Watery?
If your stew is thinner than you like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew. Cook an additional 5 minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Frozen Peas?
You can swap frozen peas for other veggies like frozen green beans, corn, or fresh peas if in season. Just add them near the end of cooking so they stay tender and vibrant.
