If there’s one meal that checks every box—comforting, nutritious, quick to make, and easy on the budget—it’s Hamburger Stew. Rich with flavor, loaded with tender veggies, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, this cozy stew is a staple that brings smiles around the dinner table every time. Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re just craving a wholesome meal with minimal fuss, this Easy Hamburger Stew is your answer.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know: how to make it from scratch, prep tips, ingredient variations, serving suggestions, and more. Let’s dive in.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this stew was chosen for its flavor, heartiness, and accessibility. Here’s a breakdown with US standard measuring units:
Base Ingredients:
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1½ pounds ground beef – Choose 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor.
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1 medium onion, chopped – Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the stew.
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2 cloves garlic, minced – Boosts aroma and infuses the broth with savory goodness.
Seasonings & Herbs:
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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½ teaspoon crushed rosemary
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½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
These herbs give the stew a classic rustic flavor that mirrors Italian and homestyle American comfort foods.
Vegetables:
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4 carrots, peeled and chopped – Adds sweetness and color.
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2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed – Creamy and hold their shape well.
Saucy and Liquid Components:
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1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes – Brings in smoky, slightly sweet tomato flavor.
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1¼ cups low-sodium beef broth – The savory base that ties everything together.
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2 tablespoons tomato paste – Deepens the stew’s richness and adds body.
Finishing Touch:
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⅔ cup frozen peas – Added at the end for a pop of green color and slight sweetness.
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Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this stew is a straightforward process with only one pot needed. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a make-ahead freezer meal.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a Dutch oven or a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef. As the meat begins to brown, break it up with a wooden spoon. After about 3 to 4 minutes, when the meat is halfway cooked, add your chopped onion.
Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are softened and the beef is no longer pink. Drain off excess grease to keep the stew light and prevent it from being oily.
Tip: If using leaner beef (like 90/10), you may not need to drain any grease. If using fattier meat, draining is essential.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Lower the heat slightly. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Cook everything for about 1 minute. This step releases the oils in the dried herbs, waking up their flavors.
Next, toss in the chopped carrots and cubed potatoes. Stir to coat the veggies with the aromatic base.
Step 3: Pour in Liquids
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste until well combined. Pour this mixture into the pot.
Add the can of fire-roasted tomatoes (with juice) to the pot as well. Stir everything together, cover, and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and let cook, covered, for about 15 minutes.
Why Simmer? Simmering lets the vegetables soften gradually while the flavors meld into a harmonious stew.
Step 4: Add Peas and Final Seasoning
Uncover the pot and stir in the frozen peas. Simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are fork-tender.
Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper to your preference. The beef broth and tomato paste often carry a bit of salt, so taste first before adding.
Finishing Touch: Want a fresh note? Stir in chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Time and Nutrition Summary
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 6 bowls (approx.)
Calories per Serving:
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Calories: ~259 kcal
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Protein: ~18 g
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Fat: ~13 g
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Carbohydrates: ~20 g
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Fiber: ~4 g
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Sugars: ~6 g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on brand of ingredients used.
Expert Tips for the Best Hamburger Stew
Choose the Right Beef
Use ground beef with enough fat (like 85/15). It ensures a rich flavor and keeps the stew from being too dry. Just be sure to drain any excess grease.
Keep Vegetables Uniform
Cut your potatoes and carrots into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate and give a nice texture contrast with the ground beef.
Add Peas Last
Frozen peas only need a few minutes to cook. Adding them earlier can result in mushy, dull-green peas.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes Add Depth
If available, always opt for fire-roasted tomatoes—they bring a touch of smokiness that elevates the stew.
Make it in Advance
This stew tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Refrigerator:
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Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave individual servings.
Freezer:
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Let stew cool completely before freezing.
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Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Caution: Avoid freezing potatoes if you prefer them firm. They can soften too much once thawed.
Customization Ideas
Want to make this stew your own? Here are a few fun, family-friendly twists you can try:
Make It Vegetarian
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Replace ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
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Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Add Heat
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Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like it spicy.
Make It Cheesy
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan on top before serving for a creamy kick.
Add Extra Veggies
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Zucchini, mushrooms, green beans, or corn are all great additions.
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Stir in chopped spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger stew is hearty enough to serve on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a full meal:
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Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of broth.
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Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
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Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar or mozzarella on top adds creamy goodness.
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Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top adds tangy contrast and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Hamburger Stew is the definition of comfort food. It’s quick to make, uses everyday ingredients, and is as cozy as it gets. Perfect for meal prepping, weeknight dinners, or a lazy Sunday night supper, this one-pot wonder deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
With its flexible ingredients, low cost, and rich flavor, it’s not just a dinner—it’s a hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re a busy parent, beginner cook, or stew enthusiast, give this recipe a try and let it bring a little warmth to your kitchen.