Hamburger Stew: A Hearty and Comforting One-Pot Meal

When you’re craving a meal that’s warm, filling, and bursting with flavor, Hamburger Stew is the answer. This classic recipe combines lean ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich broth to create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether it’s a cold winter evening or a cozy family dinner, this stew is sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Let’s explore how you can make this simple, budget-friendly recipe at home!

Ingredients for Hamburger Stew

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish.

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Olive oil	1 tablespoon
Onion (medium, chopped)	1
Celery sticks (chopped)	3
Garlic cloves (minced)	4
Lean ground beef	1 pound
Flour	3 tablespoons
Tomato paste	1 (6-ounce) can
Beef broth	4 cups (plus more as needed)
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon
Italian seasoning	½ teaspoon
Russet potatoes (diced)	2
Carrots (peeled, sliced)	4 medium
Frozen peas (optional)	1 cup
Salt and pepper	To taste

Optional Garnishes

Ingredient	Purpose
Fresh parsley (chopped)	Adds color and freshness
Crusty bread	Perfect for dipping

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Stew

1. One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup and minimal dishes—everything cooks in one pot!
2. Comfort Food at Its Best: Rich flavors, tender vegetables, and a satisfying texture make this the ultimate comfort meal.
3. Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.
4. Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hamburger Stew

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion, celery, carrots, and potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Mince the Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavor.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

• Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This takes about 8 minutes.
• Drain any excess grease if necessary to prevent the stew from becoming too oily.

4. Thicken with Flour

• Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well.
• Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.

5. Build the Base

• Stir in the tomato paste until evenly combined with the beef.
• Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly.

6. Add Vegetables and Simmer

• Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot.
• Increase the heat to high and bring the stew to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to a rapid simmer, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and cook for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Adjust the Thickness

• If the stew becomes too thick, add more beef broth in small increments until it reaches your desired consistency.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.

8. Finish with Peas and Seasoning

• Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve with crusty bread for dunking into the rich, flavorful broth.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Stew

1. Choose Lean Ground Beef: Reduces excess grease and keeps the stew balanced.
2. Cut Veggies Uniformly: Ensures even cooking and consistent textures.
3. Don’t Skip the Flour: It helps thicken the broth and create a hearty stew.
4. Use Fresh Herbs: Add a burst of flavor with fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
5. Make Ahead: The flavors develop even more as the stew sits, making it perfect for meal prep.

Nutritional Information for Hamburger Stew

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~18g
Carbohydrates	~30g
Fat	~10g
Fiber	~5g

Serving Suggestions for Hamburger Stew

• As a Main Course: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• With Sides: Serve alongside garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
• For Freezing: Freeze individual portions for a quick, hearty meal later.

Creative Variations

1. Spicy Hamburger Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
2. Herbed Stew: Stir in fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for extra flavor.
3. Cheesy Twist: Top with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt before serving.
4. Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
5. Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin for a Tex-Mex twist.

FAQs About Hamburger Stew

1. Can I make Hamburger Stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.

2. Can I freeze Hamburger Stew?

Absolutely! Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. How do I reheat leftover stew?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe.

5. What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add green beans, zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach for more variety.

6. How can I make the stew gluten-free?

Substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

Conclusion: Try This Hamburger Stew Recipe Today!

This Hamburger Stew is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this stew is as versatile as it is delicious.

Ready to create this classic favorite? Grab your ingredients and start cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

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