Hamburger Stew: The Ultimate Hamburger Stew Recipe
Introduction to Hamburger Stew
Hamburger stew is a classic comfort food that warms the heart and fills the stomach. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this delightful dish combines lean ground beef with fresh vegetables and rich flavors, all simmered together in one pot. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl!
A Personal Story Behind My Hamburger Stew Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table for comforting meals that brought us together. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother making her famous hamburger stew, filling the house with delicious aromas. It was a simple dish, yet it had a magical way of turning any day into a special occasion. This recipe is a tribute to those cherished moments, and I hope it brings you and your loved ones closer, just as it did for me.
What Makes This Hamburger Stew Recipe Special?
This hamburger stew stands out because it is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. The combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth creates a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, whether you prefer extra veggies or a different blend of spices. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables from your fridge!
The Full Hamburger Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 sticks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth, plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Russet potatoes, peeled & diced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled & sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Tip: Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until it becomes aromatic.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook for about 8 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. Tip: Drain any excess fat for a leaner stew.
- Sprinkle the flour over the browned beef and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to incorporate it. This will help thicken your stew.
- Stir in the tomato paste, mixing it well with the beef and flour.
- Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Then add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly open and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, allowing the potatoes and carrots to become tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed for the desired consistency.
- If using, add the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Tip: For a thicker stew, cook with the lid off for the last 10-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Hamburger Stew
Hamburger stew is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for added texture. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or fresh herbs like parsley before serving. Variations can include adding corn, green beans, or even swapping the ground beef for turkey to lighten it up. This recipe is also great for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Stew
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover hamburger stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I add different vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the veggies you choose.
Is this stew healthy?
This hamburger stew is a balanced meal with lean protein, vegetables, and hearty potatoes. You can make it even healthier by reducing the amount of oil or using low-sodium broth.
Enjoy this comforting beef stew that’s perfect for chilly days!
Hamburger Stew
Equipment
- Soup Pot For cooking the stew.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 sticks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Russet potatoes, peeled diced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas optional
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it browns. Cook for about 8 minutes until no longer pink. Tip: Drain excess fat for a leaner stew.
- Sprinkle flour over the browned beef and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to incorporate. This will help thicken your stew.
- Stir in tomato paste, mixing well with the beef and flour.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Add diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to a rapid simmer. Cover with the lid slightly open and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more broth if needed for desired consistency.
- If using, add frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Tip: For a thicker stew, cook with the lid off for the last 10-15 minutes.