Lean ground beef, russet potatoes, carrots, fire-roasted tomatoes, peas, and savory herbs make this Easy Hamburger Stew a family favorite.
You know those days when everything is chaos? The kids are cranky, work is nuts, and suddenly you realize everyone’s expecting dinner… like, now? Yeah. That was me last Thursday. It was one of those “What the heck am I going to feed these people?” nights. The kind of night where takeout almost wins.
But I remembered something my grandma used to make when I was little—good old hamburger stew. Nothing fancy. Just simple, hearty stuff that filled the house with that warm, cozy smell that makes you feel like everything’s going to be okay. So I did my best to recreate it… and somehow, it turned out even better than I remembered. My son actually said, “This tastes like a hug,” which… cue the mom tears.
This Easy Hamburger Stew isn’t just a recipe. It’s a go-to when life feels messy, but dinner doesn’t have to be.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Hamburger Stew Recipe?
I’m not here to overhype things, but this stew? It’s basically your weeknight hero. Here’s why:
- It’s cheap. No $20 roast here. We’re talking ground beef and humble veggies.
- It’s fast. On the table in under 40 minutes. Faster than delivery if you’re me and live in the middle of nowhere.
- It’s filling. Seriously, one bowl, and everyone’s happy (and not rummaging for snacks 30 minutes later).
- It’s comfort food with a capital C. This is the edible equivalent of flannel pajamas and a movie marathon.
Ingredient Notes:
You don’t need fancy stuff. You probably have most of this hanging around. Here’s why they work:
- Ground beef: I go lean (90/10), but if you’ve got something fattier, no judgment. Just drain it.
- Onion and garlic: Non-negotiable flavor builders. Think of them as the unsung heroes of this stew.
- Carrots and potatoes: Cheap, filling, and they soak up all that delicious broth like champs.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: Adds a little smoky oomph. Regular diced tomatoes work in a pinch, but you’ll miss that magic.
- Beef broth + tomato paste: This combo is why your stew tastes like you cooked it all day… even when you didn’t.
- Peas: Totally optional, but I like the pop of color. Also, my kids weirdly love them.
How To Make Easy Hamburger Stew?
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat up a big ol’ pot. Toss in the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Once it’s halfway there, throw in the chopped onions. Cook ‘til the beef isn’t pink anymore and the onions are soft. If there’s a grease situation, drain it (unless you’re feeling wild, in which case—carry on).
Step 2: Build That Flavor
Turn down the heat. Stir in minced garlic and those herbs (oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme). Give it a minute to do its thing. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing.
Step 3: Veggie Time
In go the carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes (juice and all). Don’t hold back.
Step 4: Make It Saucy
Want To Save This Recipe?
Whisk the beef broth and tomato paste together in a bowl (or just toss it in the pot and stir like a maniac—no judgment). Pour it over the beef and veggies.
Step 5: Simmer Away
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Enough time to wrangle the kids, fold laundry, or scroll TikTok (hey, we all have our things).
Step 6: Finish Strong
Add the peas and simmer another 5 to 10 minutes. Taste it. Need more salt? Go for it. Want a little heat? Dash in some red pepper flakes.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Ladle into bowls. If you’ve got crusty bread, now’s the time to whip it out. Cozy dinner: complete.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Cool it down and store it in an airtight container. Good for 3-4 days (if it lasts that long).
- Freezer: Portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. Just label it unless you like mystery meals.
- Reheat: Stove or microwave. If it’s too thick, a splash of broth or water fixes that.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Different meat? Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you’re feeling wild.
- Veggie swap: Sweet potatoes instead of russets. Green beans instead of peas. It’s your stew—do what makes you happy.
- Spicy version: Add chili powder or a little hot sauce.
- Vegan option: Use veggie crumbles and broth.
- No tomato paste? A little ketchup in a pinch works. Yes, I said it.
What to Serve with Easy Hamburger Stew?
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls (because dipping is half the fun).
- A green salad (balance, right?).
- Cornbread (my personal favorite).
- A glass of red wine or sweet tea—whatever fits your vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yep! Brown the beef and onions first, then toss everything into the crockpot. Low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4. Add peas at the end.
Can I double this recipe?
You absolutely can. Just use a big pot. Leftovers freeze beautifully.
This Easy Hamburger Stew is one of those recipes that feels like it’s always been part of the family. It’s easy, cozy, and just the thing when you need a dinner that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that makes you look like you’ve got it all together… even if you don’t.
So, what do you think? Ready to give it a go? If you do, snap a pic and tag me—I love seeing what you make. And if you tweak it, I want to hear all about it. Recipes are meant to be shared and messed with, right?
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Quick And Easy Hamburger Stew
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp crushed rosemary
- 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
- 4 carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 russet potatoes peeled and cut into small cubes
- 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 1/4 c low sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2/3 c frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a pot, over medium heat until it is partially cooked. Then add the chopped onion. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft. Make sure to drain any grease.
- Add in Herbs and Garlic: Reduce the heat. Mix in the garlic oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme. Let them cook for one minute until you can smell their aroma.
- Combine with Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped carrots cubed potatoes and fire-roasted tomatoes from a can into the pot.
- Prepare the Broth: In a bowl whisk together beef broth and tomato paste. Pour this mixture into the pot with beef and vegetables.
- Simmer: Cover the pot. Allow your stew to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Final Touches: Add peas to the pot. Continue simmering while covered until both potatoes and carrots turn tender. Season, with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve: Once all ingredients are cooked through letting their flavors blend together beautifully your stew is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
