The Ultimate Comfort Food

When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and satisfying, nothing beats a classic Hamburger Stew. Packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich broth, this dish is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this stew is a comforting option that delivers on flavor and nutrition.

This recipe is perfect for busy home cooks, beginner chefs, and anyone looking for a foolproof meal to feed the family. It’s a one-pot wonder that simplifies dinner prep while still tasting like it took hours to make. With tips for variations, storage, and serving suggestions, this blog post has everything you need to master Hamburger Stew.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Stew

Hamburger Stew is the ultimate comfort food for so many reasons:

Affordable Ingredients: The recipe uses everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies, making it budget-friendly.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of active prep time, this stew comes together effortlessly.
Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, it’s as good for you as it is delicious.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful stew:

3-4 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
4 stalks celery, diced
1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
2 pounds lean ground beef
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 ounces tomato paste
3 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
5 large carrots, peeled and diced
28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juice
8 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon basil
10 ounces frozen peas
¼ teaspoon baking soda
Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

A Dutch oven or large stockpot
Cutting board and chef’s knife
Vegetable peeler
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by prepping your vegetables. Dice the onion and celery, and peel and dice the potatoes and carrots. Set the onion and celery aside in one bowl and the potatoes and carrots in another. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smoother.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and celery, cooking until they become tender and slightly translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, adding a bit more olive oil if needed.

3. Brown the Beef

Add the lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned. If using a higher-fat ground beef, drain any excess fat using the paper towel method described in the recipe.

4. Build the Base

Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, then mix in the tomato paste.

5. Add the Liquid and Veggies

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Worcestershire sauce, and optional fish sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, potatoes, and carrots. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly vented.

6. Simmer and Adjust

Let the stew simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Stir occasionally and check the consistency—add more broth if it’s too thick, or simmer longer for a thicker stew.

7. Final Touches

Stir in the baking soda, watching as the stew bubbles briefly before settling down. This step neutralizes the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor. Add the frozen peas and season the stew with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Hamburger Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.

Tips and Variations

Swap the Meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground “meat” for a twist.
Add More Veggies: Toss in corn, green beans, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Go Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the stew.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen stew overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What to Serve with Hamburger Stew

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, cornbread, or even fluffy mashed potatoes. For drinks, a bold red wine or a dark beer complements the rich flavors, while a sparkling apple cider is a great non-alcoholic option.

FAQ

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

3. Is the baking soda necessary?
While optional, baking soda neutralizes the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a more balanced flavor.

Try This Recipe Today!

Hamburger Stew is the perfect meal for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week. Its simple preparation, wholesome ingredients, and rich, savory flavors are guaranteed to make it a hit.

If you love this recipe, share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

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