Imagine a bubbling pot of rich, savory hamburger stew, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of tender beef and seasoned vegetables.
This is a dish that wraps you in warmth and simplicity, perfect for those cozy evenings when you crave something hearty yet easy to prepare.
As the ingredients meld together, each bite promises a delicious transformation from humble beginnings.
Gather your ingredients, and let’s bring this comforting classic to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 chopping board
- 1 knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup frozen peas
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing Hamburger Stew, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Review the recipe instructions and gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Chop 1 medium onion.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Dice 2 medium potatoes.
- Slice 2 carrots.
- Cooking (30 minutes)
- Minute 0-5: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Minute 5-10: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Minute 10-15: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Minute 15-20: Add diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot.
- Minute 20-25: Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Minute 25-30: Cover and cook for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Minute 30-35: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Resting (5 minutes)
- Remove the stew from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timeline as needed based on your personal cooking speed and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
Add diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth of the stew.
- Steamed Rice: Serve the stew over a bed of steamed rice for a heartier meal and to help absorb the delicious juices.
- Mashed Potatoes: Pairing the stew with creamy mashed potatoes adds a comforting layer to the dish.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the rich flavors of the stew.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Serve with cheesy biscuits for a savory, indulgent side that enhances the stew’s homey appeal.
Storage
Store Hamburger Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to three months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze hamburger stew, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat hamburger stew, use a stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered, on medium power. Stir halfway through to guarantee even heating without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Hamburger Stew is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, it’s an ideal option for a quick and satisfying meal.
The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings creates a stew that’s both delicious and filling.
For those looking to enhance the texture, mashing some of the potatoes or using a cornstarch slurry can thicken the stew to your liking.
Additionally, a splash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the flavors even further.
This recipe serves six, making it perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
As it often tastes better the next day, consider making it ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, Hamburger Stew is a reliable dish that delivers both taste and comfort.
Enjoy the warmth and richness of this classic American meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Use the same 1-pound measurement. Sauté turkey in olive oil until browned. Follow the recipe as directed, ensuring turkey is fully cooked. Adjust seasonings to complement turkey’s milder flavor.
How Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
Substitute 1 pound of ground beef with 1 cup of lentils or 1 pound of mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adjust seasonings to taste. Cook using the same steps, ensuring vegetables are tender.
What Can I Substitute for Italian Seasoning?
You can substitute Italian seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of thyme. Mix them well. This blend will provide similar herbaceous flavors, enhancing your dish with aromatic notes.
Is It Possible to Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
You can absolutely make this stew in a slow cooker. Sauté the beef, onion, and garlic first. Then transfer everything to the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding peas 30 minutes before serving.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Stew?
You can definitely add other vegetables to your stew. Consider incorporating 1 cup of chopped bell peppers or 1/2 cup of corn. Sauté them with onions for extra flavor. Adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain balance.
Hamburger Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 chopping board
- 1 Knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 2 medium potatoes diced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Add diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
