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Looking for a delicious meal that warms the soul? You’re in the right place! My Hearty Hamburger Stew recipe is packed with flavor and comfort. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a stew that the whole family will love. Ready to dive into a bowl of goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This stew is perfect for chilly evenings, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is great for cooks of all skill levels.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make this stew your own!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Hearty Hamburger Stew
To make Hearty Hamburger Stew, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 2 potatoes, diced
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients create a tasty and filling dish. Each one adds to the rich flavor.
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
You can add some optional ingredients to boost flavor. Try these:
– 1 cup corn for sweetness
– 1 bell pepper, diced for crunch
– 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce for heat
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth
These extras can make your stew more unique and fun. Feel free to be creative!
Substitutions for Common Allergens
If you have food allergies or preferences, there are easy swaps. Here are some ideas:
– Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
– Swap beef broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
– Replace olive oil with canola or avocado oil if needed.
– For a gluten-free option, ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
These substitutions keep the stew hearty while catering to dietary needs. Always check labels to ensure safety.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base: Cooking Onions and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onions to become soft and clear. This step gives the stew a strong base of flavor. The smell of cooking onions and garlic makes you hungry!
Browning the Ground Beef
Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook the beef for about 5 to 6 minutes. Make sure it turns brown and no longer looks pink. If there is too much fat, drain some off. Browning the beef adds a rich taste to the stew.
Combining Ingredients and Simmering the Stew
Now it’s time to mix in the other ingredients. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir everything together well. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Bring the pot to a simmer. Then, add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and green beans. Stir again and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes. The vegetables will become tender and soak up flavor. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm bowl of comfort!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cooking Ground Beef
Start with good beef. Use ground beef that is fresh and has some fat. Fat adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. Heat your pot before adding oil. This helps sear the beef better. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it until it is brown and no longer pink. Drain any extra fat for a lighter stew.
How to Enhance Flavor Profiles
To boost the taste, use fresh herbs. Thyme and oregano work well in this stew. Add Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick. It brings depth to the beef flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking.
Achieving Perfect Vegetable Tenderness
Cut your veggies into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly. Start with the hardest veggies first. Carrots and potatoes need more time. Add them early in the cooking process. Stir the pot occasionally to mix flavors. Taste test the veggies after about 25 minutes. They should be soft but not mushy. This gives your stew a nice texture.
Pro Tips
- Brown the Meat: For enhanced flavor, ensure the ground beef is well-browned before adding other ingredients. This caramelization adds depth to the stew.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference, such as peas, corn, or bell peppers.
- Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help the flavors meld together, resulting in a more robust taste.

Variations
Vegetarian Alternatives using Plant-Based Proteins
You can still enjoy this stew without meat. Try using plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas. These options offer great texture and flavor. Cook the lentils or chickpeas before adding them to the pot. This change keeps the stew hearty and satisfying. You can also use meat substitutes like tempeh or tofu. They absorb flavors well and add extra protein.
Different Vegetables to Use in Your Stew
Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Besides carrots and potatoes, you can add mushrooms, peas, or corn. Sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness. Zucchini can provide a fresh crunch. Always cut your vegetables into even pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. This way, every bite is delicious and tender.
Spice Variations to Change the Flavor
Spices can transform your stew into something new. For a warm flavor, try adding smoked paprika or cumin. If you want some heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten the dish. Experimenting with different spices allows you to create a unique stew each time. Adjust the spices to match your taste.
Storage Info
How to Properly Store Hearty Hamburger Stew
To keep your Hearty Hamburger Stew fresh, let it cool first. Use airtight containers to store the stew. It can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always label the container with the date. This way, you know how long it has been in there.
Freezing Tips for Long-Term Storage
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is great. Pour the cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as the stew will expand. It can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Methods for Best Results
When reheating, you have a few options. The stove is best for even heating. Pour the stew into a pot and heat on low to medium. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it is hot all the way through. Enjoy every spoonful!
FAQs
Can I make Hearty Hamburger Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make Hearty Hamburger Stew in a slow cooker. Start by browning the ground beef in a pan. After that, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. This includes the onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Set it on low for about 6 hours, or on high for about 3 hours. This method lets the flavors blend well and makes the beef very tender.
How do I thicken my Hamburger Stew?
To thicken your Hamburger Stew, you have a few simple options. One way is to mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mixture into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Another method is to mash some of the potatoes in the stew. This will help thicken it naturally. You can also let the stew simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
What to serve with Hearty Hamburger Stew?
Hearty Hamburger Stew pairs well with many sides. Fresh bread or rolls are great for dipping. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. You could also serve it with rice for extra filling. If you like, some people enjoy a side of mashed potatoes. This adds creaminess that complements the stew well.
This blog post shared how to craft a tasty Hearty Hamburger Stew. We explored key ingredients and offered tips for special flavors. You learned handy ways to deal with allergens and substitute different items.
Cooking steps included browning beef and simmering to blend flavors. You also found ways to keep vegetables tender.
In the end, enjoy making this stew your own. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for any meal. Happy cookin
Hearty Hamburger Stew
A comforting and hearty stew made with ground beef and vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and green beans, stir well, and let the stew simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley on top.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword beef, comfort food, stew
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