Simple Hamburger Stew

By Muhammad Faizan

Description

Simple Hamburger Stew is a hearty, comforting, budget-friendly meal made with ground beef, vegetables, and a savory broth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold weather, or meal prep. This stew uses common pantry ingredients and cooks into a flavorful, filling dish that tastes even better the next day.

 Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 3 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1–2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)

  • 1 tbsp oil (if needed for browning)

 Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef
    Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

  2. Add Aromatics
    Add onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.

  3. Add Vegetables
    Stir in potatoes, carrots, and celery. Cook 3–4 minutes to slightly soften.

  4. Add Tomatoes & Broth
    Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and tomato paste if using. Stir well.

  5. Simmer
    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 25–30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

  6. Finish
    Stir in frozen peas. Simmer 5 more minutes.
    Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

  7. Serve
    Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice if you want a heartier meal.

 Servings

Makes 6 servings (approximately 1½ cups each).

Nutritional Information (per serving — estimate)

  • Calories: ~320

  • Protein: 20 g

  • Carbohydrates: 32 g

  • Fat: 14 g

  • Fiber: 5 g

  • Sodium: varies based on broth & salt

  • Sugars: 6 g

(This is an approximate calculation and can vary based on ingredients used.)

Tips & Notes

Flavor Boosters

  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper savory flavor.

  • Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smokiness.

Thicker Stew?

Mash a few potatoes in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

Make It Lighter

Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Make It Heartier

Add a handful of cooked pasta, barley, or rice in the last 10 minutes.

Storage

  • Fridge: 3–4 days

  • Freezer: Up to 3 months
    Reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

 Health Benefits

  • Balanced meal: Contains protein, carbs, and veggies in one bowl.

  • High in vitamins: Carrots and peas add vitamins A, C, and K.

  • Good source of iron & zinc: From the ground beef.

  • Fiber-rich: Thanks to vegetables and potatoes.

  • Budget-friendly & filling: Great for families or meal-prep.

 Q&A

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except peas. Cook on Low 6–7 hours or High 3–4 hours. Add peas in the last 20 minutes.

Q: Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen?

A: Absolutely. Add them during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Q: How do I make it gluten-free?

A: The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and tomato paste are certified GF.

Q: How do I make it dairy-free?

A: It already is! No substitutions needed.

Q: Can I make this spicy?

A: Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce.

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