This quick and easy, family-friendly Hamburger Stew is made in about forty minutes on the stovetop. It is full of nature’s wholesome flavor and goodness, making it a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy.
Warm and hearty, this hamburger stew is a perfect one-pot meal for a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and easy directions, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook. This stew is delicious year-round, but I love to serve it during those chilly winter months. It is a hearty meal, but serve it with cheddar biscuits, sweet potato cornbread, or sweet maple dinner rolls for a company-worthy meal.
Why I Love It
- This fun and easy recipe comes together quickly, making it doable for a weeknight meal.
- Hamburger Stew is made with wholesome ingredients, making it a hearty meal you can feel good about feeding your family.
- The ingredients for this recipe are easily found at any grocery store, and you may already have many of them on hand.
- Ground beef is still one of the most economically friendly meats you can cook.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
- Ground beef: I use beef with a bit of fat, like 85/15. Fat gives the beef flavor.
- Onion: Preferably a sweet yellow onion, like a yellow or Vidalia onion
- Carrots: You can substitute parsnips
- Potatoes: Preferably Yukon Gold, Russet Potatoes break down too much
- Canned tomatoes: Fire-roasted or diced
- Beef broth: Low sodium is best ,so you can control the amount of sodium
- Peas: Frozen sweet peas. Do not use canned as they will get mushy.
Preparation Tips for Hamburger Stew
- Use ground beef or chili-ground beef with a bit of fat. Drain any excess grease after cooking the onions. The fat gives it flavor.
- Peel your carrots for aesthetic purposes. The small amount of effort is worth the bright, beautiful orange color.
- If desired, substitute diced tomatoes for the fire-roasted tomatoes.
- I prefer Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe. But red potatoes or Russet potatoes work well, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swap ground beef for other ground meat like ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
First, cool the dish to room temperature. Freeze in a Ziploc freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop on low or microwave at reduced power.
Complete everything on the stovetop through step 2. Transfer the contents to a crock pot. Whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste in a bowl or large measuring cup. Stir it into the pot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add the peas and cook on low for 1-2 hours or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
More Stew Recipes
Hamburger Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon crushed rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 4 carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes cut into small cubes
- 1 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1¼ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ⅔ cup frozen peas
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat, brown the ground beef. When it is about halfway through the browning process, add the onion and cook until the onion is soft and the ground beef is browned, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Reduce heat to low. Add garlic, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the potatoes, carrots, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
- In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste. Stir it into the pot. Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Add the peas and simmer covered until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
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Anne
I have made this for many many years but have never browned the hamburger first. Just crumble in with rest of ingred. Also add a few pats of butter for extra richness.
Mairead
This stew looks amazing. It reminds me of a dish my mom made when I was a child in Ireland. We called this stew “savory mince.” Hamburger meat is known as minced meat in Ireland, so that’s where the name savory mince comes from. Thank you for reminding me of one of my favorite childhood meals.
Dannii
I love how many vegetables are packed in to this. It looks really hearty and comforting.
Jo
Our new favorite dinner, Love all the flavors in this stew!
Anjali
This stew was so hearty and delicious and I love that it’s filled with veggies too! A true one pot meal!
Jenny
This recipe sounds so good! Making it today, have 2lbs if meat, so will add just a little extra seasonings to it. Can’t wait to try it!
Laura
Sounds and looks so yummy. Some dumplings on top would be a nice little addition, too. Will be trying this soon. Thank you for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
Dumplings on top of this would be delicious!
Mary
We made a simpler version of the Hamburger stew when we were camping. Hamburger meat, onions add a package of beef stew seasoning & a can of mixed vegetables. Brown meat & onions added stew seasoning following directions on pkg then add mixed veggies I added garlic powder, salt & pepper..we had cornbread or crackers. Taste great sitting around a camp fire with family & friends.
Beth Pierce
That does sound delicious Mary! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy Kirkendall
I make a similar stew that I have called poor man’s stew. I will definitely add carrots next time I make it! Looks so delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Nancy!
Irina
This stew recipe sounds so comforting and delicious that I cannot wait to give it a try! It is perfect for a winter cold day. 🙂