Hamburger Stew Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of hamburger stew, especially as the days get chillier. This dish has all the best parts of a classic beef stew but comes together faster and with just a handful of everyday ingredients. It’s rich, filling, and loaded with tender vegetables and ground beef – a perfect family dinner that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl.

I remember the first time I made this hamburger stew on a rainy weekend. The smell filled the whole house, mixing the earthy scent of potatoes and carrots with the savory depth of beef and Worcestershire sauce. As we gathered around the table, bowls steaming and topped with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, it was one of those moments where you could feel the warmth of home in every spoonful. This recipe has become a go-to whenever I need a quick, comforting meal that still feels homemade.

this RECIPE

A little background: why hamburger stew is a classic

Hamburger stew is a popular dish in American comfort food, especially in the colder months. Its roots are humble, making the most of simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and carrots, which were staples for many families. Unlike a traditional beef stew that uses larger cuts of beef, hamburger stew relies on ground beef, which not only speeds up the cooking time but also gives the dish a unique, more approachable texture. Over time, people have adapted it with different vegetables, seasonings, and even added a bit of tomato paste for a touch of acidity and sweetness, like we’re doing here. It’s a wonderfully flexible dish that lets you use what’s in your pantry while delivering hearty flavors.

Let’s talk ingredients: the building blocks of flavor

Each ingredient in this stew plays a key role in making it hearty, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. Here’s a closer look at the main players:

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a base of healthy fat and a slight fruitiness. You could use any neutral oil, but olive oil gives a nice touch.
• Onion and celery: These two create the foundational flavor. Sautéing them until softened brings out their sweetness and builds a savory base for the stew.
• Garlic: Just a few cloves give a deep, aromatic kick. Fresh is best, but if you only have garlic powder, you can substitute with about ½ teaspoon.
• Lean ground beef: The star of the stew! Lean ground beef keeps the stew flavorful without making it greasy. If you want a lower-fat option, try ground turkey.
• All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the stew slightly, giving it that nice, hearty texture. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and a touch of acidity to balance out the flavors. Canned tomato paste is fine, but I love the kind that comes in a tube for easy storage.
• Beef stock: Provides the main liquid base and deepens the overall flavor. Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt levels, or even vegetable broth in a pinch.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a little bit adds complexity and a subtle tang. You’ll miss it if you leave it out, but soy sauce can be an alternative.
• Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme brings out more depth. Feel free to add a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme if you love extra herbs.
• Russet potatoes and carrots: These veggies add heartiness and absorb all the wonderful flavors as they cook. Yukon Gold potatoes would also work.
• Frozen peas (optional): Stirred in at the end, peas add a touch of color and sweetness. Fresh or canned peas work too – no need to defrost if they’re frozen.

Essential kitchen gear for a seamless cooking experience

To make this stew, you don’t need a ton of fancy kitchen gear, but a few tools will make the process smoother:

• Heavy soup pot or Dutch oven: This is ideal for browning the beef and simmering the stew evenly. If you don’t have one, a large saucepan will work, but watch for sticking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring everything together.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board: Chopping the veggies doesn’t take too long, but a sharp knife will make it much quicker and more enjoyable.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Essential for getting the right balance of flavors, especially with things like flour and Worcestershire sauce.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method for delicious hamburger stew

Let’s jump right into cooking! This stew is easy to make, and I’ll walk you through it like we’re cooking side by side.

1. Sauté the base
   Start by heating the olive oil in your soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and let them cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re softened and slightly golden. This step is key for building flavor – it’s worth letting the veggies take their time here.
2. Add the garlic
   Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Garlic burns quickly, so as soon as you start to smell that wonderful aroma, it’s time to move on.
3. Brown the beef
   Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 8 minutes. Don’t rush this step – browning the beef adds great depth to the stew.
4. Incorporate the flour
   Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken the stew. Be sure to stir so the flour coats everything evenly.
5. Tomato paste and broth
   Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. This is when the stew really starts to come together. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot – they add so much flavor!
6. Add the vegetables and simmer
   Toss in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Increase the heat to bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a rapid simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the consistency and add more broth if needed, or let it simmer uncovered if you want it thicker.
7. Finish with peas and seasonings
   Finally, stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a few minutes to heat the peas through, and you’re ready to serve!

Make it your own: variations and adaptations

This stew is incredibly flexible! Here are some of my favorite ways to switch it up:

• Low-carb option: Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or turnips. They’ll soak up the flavor and still give you that hearty feel.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in some extra vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or zucchini. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the potatoes.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Herby twist: If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the stew just before serving. It adds a lovely pop of color and flavor.

Serving ideas to make your stew shine

For a cozy presentation, ladle the stew into deep bowls and garnish with a bit of chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it with crusty bread or warm biscuits on the side to soak up every last drop. This stew also pairs nicely with a simple green salad to lighten things up.

Drink pairings to complete your meal

For a comforting, balanced pairing, I recommend something with a touch of sweetness and acidity. Here are a few ideas:

• Sparkling apple cider: The crispness and slight sweetness of apple cider complement the hearty flavors of the stew beautifully.
• Iced or hot herbal tea: A chamomile or ginger tea can be soothing and goes surprisingly well with savory dishes.
• Cranberry spritzer: Mix cranberry juice with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing, tangy drink that cuts through the richness of the stew.

Storing and reheating leftovers

This stew stores beautifully, so don’t worry if you end up with leftovers. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in individual containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of extra broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave reheating works, too – just stir halfway through for even heating.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, but you can easily scale it up or down. If you’re cooking for a crowd, double the ingredients and use a larger pot. For smaller portions, halve the recipe, but watch the salt – sometimes smaller batches need less seasoning.

Potential pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Too thick? Add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
• Not thick enough? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Bland flavors? Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning! A bit more salt, Worcestershire sauce, or pepper can make all the difference.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

2. Can I freeze this stew?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

3. What’s a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce works well, though it’ll taste a bit different. You can also use a dash of balsamic vinegar for some tang.

4. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, just add them a few minutes earlier so they have time to cook through.

5. What can I serve with hamburger stew?
Crusty bread, biscuits, or a side salad are all great options!

Go ahead and give this hamburger stew a try – it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and perfect for cozy nights. I hope you enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Print