Picture a steaming bowl of hearty ground beef stew, with rich aromas wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something about this comforting dish that warms the soul and brings people together.
It’s delightfully easy to make, perfect for a cozy night in, and a favorite among many for its satisfying simplicity.
As the beef browns and the vegetables soften, the flavors meld into a delicious harmony.
Let’s bring this nourishing dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Ground Beef Stew, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (10 minutes)
- Read through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps.
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Slice the carrots.
- Dice the potatoes.
- Initial Cooking Steps (15 minutes)
- Heat the olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, cook until browned, and break it up with a wooden spoon.
- Remove the beef, drain any excess fat, and set aside.
- Cooking Vegetables and Combining Ingredients (10 minutes)
- In the same pot, add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the carrots and potatoes, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot and mix in the tomato paste.
- Simmering (45 minutes)
- Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Final Steps (10 minutes)
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the frozen peas.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes until peas are heated through.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Remove the beef and set aside, draining any excess fat.
In the same pot, add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in carrots and potatoes, cooking for about 5 minutes.
Return the beef to the pot and mix in the tomato paste.
Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the frozen peas.
Cook for an additional 5 minutes until peas are heated through.
Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adding a satisfying crunch.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.
- Steamed Rice: A simple and neutral base that complements the rich flavors of the stew.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the warm, savory stew.
- Buttered Noodles: Toss some egg noodles in butter as a comforting and filling side dish.
Storage
To store ground beef stew, cool it to room temperature.
Transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze ground beef stew, let it cool completely.
Then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat ground beef stew, use a stovetop on low heat.
Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power.
Cover and stir intermittently to guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
Ground beef stew is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
With its rich flavors and tender vegetables, it makes for a satisfying meal.
After allowing the stew to rest, you’ll find that the flavors have melded together beautifully.
This dish isn’t only easy to prepare but also adaptable to your taste preferences.
Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or vegetables to make it your own.
Serve with crusty bread for an even more fulfilling dining experience.
Enjoy your delicious homemade ground beef stew!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Turkey for Ground Beef in the Stew?
Yes, you can substitute turkey for ground beef. Use the same quantity, ensuring it’s fully cooked. Turkey may alter the flavor slightly, offering a leaner option. Adjust seasonings to taste, as turkey’s milder flavor might require more spices.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
You can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Alternatively, use a mixture of water and soy sauce to mimic the depth of beef broth. Adjust seasoning as needed to taste.
How Can I Make This Stew Gluten-Free?
You can guarantee gluten-free stew by using gluten-free beef broth or homemade stock. Check all other ingredients for hidden gluten, especially the tomato paste and spices. Serve with gluten-free bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Is It Possible to Cook This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker. First, brown the beef and sauté onions and garlic. Transfer to the slow cooker, add remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I Add Wine to Enhance the Stew’s Flavor?
You can enhance the stew’s flavor by adding wine. Use half a cup of red wine, incorporating it after browning the beef. Let it reduce for 5 minutes before adding broth, ensuring a rich, complex taste.
Ground Beef Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 medium carrots sliced
- 2 large potatoes diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Remove the beef and set aside, draining any excess fat.
- In the same pot, add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in carrots and potatoes, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot and mix in the tomato paste.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the frozen peas.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes until peas are heated through.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
