Description
This hearty Hamburger Stew is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef simmered with aromatic vegetables, tender potatoes, and carrots in a savory tomato and beef broth base. Perfect for cozy dinners, it brings together simple ingredients for a rich, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 sticks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Meat & Thickener
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons flour
Broth & Seasonings
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (plus more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables
- 2 Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat and add chopped onion and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Brown the Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and help thicken the stew.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste evenly, combining it with the beef and vegetables.
- Simmer Stew: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Add diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Increase heat to high and bring the stew to a boil. Then reduce heat to a rapid simmer and cook partially covered (lid slightly open) for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Add extra broth if the stew becomes too thick, or simmer uncovered longer if a thicker consistency is preferred.
- Finish with Peas and Seasoning: Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few more minutes until the peas are heated through. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth or cooking longer uncovered.
- Frozen peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- Can be made in advance and reheated on the stovetop over low heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
