Hamburger Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. It’s made with ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful broth that all simmer together to create a warm, filling meal. The chunks of vegetables and beef make every bite satisfying and just a little bit cozy.
I love making Hamburger Stew because it’s so easy to customize. Sometimes I add a little splash of Worcestershire sauce or extra herbs to give it an extra kick. It’s also one of those recipes where leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day. When I’m in a hurry, I throw everything into one pot and let it do its magic while I relax or get other things done.
My favorite way to serve this stew is with crusty bread or over a bed of rice, soaking up all the tasty juices. It reminds me of classic family dinners when we’d all gather around the table with full bowls and big smiles. Hamburger Stew feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Hamburger Stew
Ground Beef: This is the star protein. I like using 80/20 beef for good flavor and some fat to keep the stew rich. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but add a touch of olive oil to keep it moist.
Potatoes & Carrots: These veggies add heartiness and sweetness. Yukon gold potatoes hold up well without falling apart. You can swap carrots with parsnips or turnips for a different taste.
Tomato Sauce & Paste: These bring body and a mild tangy flavor. If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use tomato soup or a little ketchup as an emergency stand-in, though the taste will be slightly sweeter.
Frozen Peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and freshness. If you prefer, swap for frozen green beans or corn for a nice crunch and sweetness.
How Do You Make Sure the Vegetables Stay Tender, Not Mushy?
Cooking the stew’s vegetables just right is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Add the potatoes and carrots with the broth and herbs after browning the beef. Simmer gently to let them soften without falling apart.
- Check tenderness at about 25 minutes by poking with a fork. They should be soft but still holding their shape.
- Add quick-cooking veggies like peas at the very end—just a few minutes—to keep them bright and fresh.
- If stew is too watery, uncover the pot at the last 5-10 minutes to let some liquid evaporate and thicken naturally.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – I prefer this because it heats evenly and holds a good amount of stew.
- Wooden spoon or ladle – perfect for stirring and serving without scratching the pot.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps keep the ingredients just right for the best flavor.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping the vegetables and garlic easily and safely.
- Can opener – needed for the tomato sauce and paste cans, making prep smoother.
- Soup spoon or ladle – to serve up the hearty stew easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Jewish-style twist: Add a bit of paprika and some chopped dill for a smoky, aromatic flavor.
- Mushrooms and herbs: Mix in sautéed mushrooms and fresh thyme for an earthy boost.
- Heat it up: Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like spicy stew.
- Extra veggies: Add chopped celery, green beans, or corn to boost color and texture.
Hamburger Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hamburger Stew takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 40 minutes to cook. Most of the cooking time is simmering to allow flavors to blend and vegetables to become tender, so you can relax while it cooks gently on the stove.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Vegetables and Beef:
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring and cooking until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it off.
2. Add Tomato and Broth:
Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors together.
Now add the diced potatoes, carrots, and beef broth. Mix well, then season with dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Drop in the bay leaf.
3. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes and carrots are tender but still hold their shape.
4. Finish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the frozen peas. Let the stew cook for another 5 minutes to warm the peas through. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Serve your hamburger stew hot. It’s delicious on its own or with a slice of crusty bread or over rice.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for Hamburger Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave to speed things up.
Can I Make Hamburger Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Hamburger stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How Can I Make the Stew Thicker?
If you want a thicker stew, remove the lid and simmer it uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid. Another option is to mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in—then cook for a few minutes until thickened.
What Can I Substitute for Frozen Peas?
If you don’t have peas, try using frozen green beans, corn, or even fresh spinach added near the end of cooking. These options provide color and freshness similar to peas.