Description
This Simple Hamburger Stew is a cozy, nutrient-packed meal that transforms everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. Tender vegetables, flavorful ground beef, and savory herbs simmer together in a rich tomato and beef broth. It’s an easy one-pot recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or meal prep for the week ahead.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
- Families looking for a budget-friendly dinner.
- Home cooks who want a quick, hearty, one-pot meal.
- Anyone who loves classic American comfort food.
- Meal-preppers searching for a filling dish that reheats beautifully.
- Those who want a flavorful, vegetable-packed stew without complicated steps.
Why It’s Great
✔️ One-pot recipe—minimal cleanup.
✔️ Loaded with protein, veggies, and flavor.
✔️ Kid-friendly and customizable.
✔️ Perfect for leftovers and freezer-friendly.
✔️ Uses simple, affordable ingredients you already have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp crushed rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
- 14.5 oz fire-roasted canned tomatoes
- 1 ¼ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ⅔ cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board & knife
- Stirring spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons/cups
How to Make Simple Hamburger Stew
- Brown the beef
Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed. - Cook aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. - Add herbs and vegetables
Stir in oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Add the carrots and potatoes, coating them in the seasonings. - Incorporate liquids
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir well until the paste dissolves. - Simmer to perfection
Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. - Finish with peas
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Serve
Ladle hot stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
FAQ
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Corn, celery, green beans, or diced tomatoes work great.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version.
Q: Can I make this stew thicker?
For a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot or simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Q: Does it work in a slow cooker?
Yes—brown the beef first, then cook everything on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Conclusion
This Simple Hamburger Stew is a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish that brings comfort to any meal. With tender vegetables, savory beef, and aromatic herbs, it’s a wholesome dinner the whole family will love. Whether you make it for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or cozy weekends, this one-pot stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
