There are nights when all I want is a pot simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with that deep, savory smell that tells everyone dinner is going to be good. This hamburger stew is exactly that kind of meal. It is cozy, hearty, and made with simple ingredients that always seem to be waiting in the fridge.
This hamburger stew recipe comes together in about an hour and feels like something your grandma might have made on a chilly evening. Tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and ground beef swim in a rich, comforting gravy. Grab a spoon and maybe some buttered bread. Let's get cooking.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Made in one pot with everyday pantry ingredients
- Hearty and filling without being heavy
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Perfect for cold nights and busy weeknights
- Even better the next day as leftovers
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make this simple homemade stew.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 21 ounces potatoes, washed and cubed
- 16 ounces carrots, sliced into coins
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon MSG
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup frozen green peas
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
I have made this stew many times, and these little notes really help.
- Potatoes: I leave the skins on for texture and ease. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work beautifully.
- MSG: This adds depth and savoriness. If you prefer to skip it, the stew will still taste good, just a bit less rich.
- Ground beef: Lean beef keeps the stew balanced, but you can drain excess fat if needed.
- Vegetables: Peas add sweetness at the end, but corn or green beans also work well.
Instructions
- Wash and prep all your vegetables. Chop the potatoes into chunky cubes and slice the carrots. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set everything close by.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef in one flat layer and let it brown without touching it. This step builds flavor, so be patient.
- Break the beef into chunks and add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Stir and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, basil, MSG, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Shake the cornstarch and cold water together in a jar. Pour it into the pot and stir. Let the stew cook a few more minutes until thick and glossy.
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook just until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Preheat the pot well before adding oil to help the beef brown instead of steam.
- Keep the stew at a lively simmer, not a rolling boil, so the vegetables hold their shape.
- If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.
- Let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving. The flavors settle and deepen.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover hamburger stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed.
Make Ahead and Freezing
This stew freezes very well. I let it cool completely, then store it in freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly for best texture.
Tips and Variations
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle warmth.
- Swap half the beef for ground turkey if you like a lighter version.
- Stir in a handful of fresh parsley at the end for brightness.
- Serve over mashed potatoes for an extra cozy twist.
FAQs
Yes, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
A simple cornstarch slurry gives it that rich, spoon-coating gravy.
You can, but the tomatoes add balance and gentle acidity.
📖 Recipe
Hamburger Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Canadian / American
Description
A hearty hamburger stew made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a rich, flavorful gravy, ready in about an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 21 ounces potatoes, cubed
- 16 ounces carrots, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon MSG (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup frozen green peas
Instructions
- Wash and chop potatoes and carrots. Dice onion and mince garlic. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef in a flat layer and brown for 5-7 minutes.
- Break up beef, then add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 10 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, basil, MSG, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water in a jar and shake. Pour into stew and cook 4-5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
Preheat pot well before adding oil to ensure proper browning. You may drain beef fat if preferred, but it adds flavor. MSG enhances savory depth-optional but recommended. Keep stew simmering (not boiling) for even vegetable cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1149mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this stew with warm rolls, crusty bread, or even garlic bread for soaking up every drop. It also pairs nicely with a simple green salad when you want something fresh on the side.
Nutrition and Notes
This recipe makes 8 servings at about 323 calories each. It is filling, balanced, and comforting without feeling heavy. I tested this version several times to get the vegetables tender and the gravy just right.
Reader Reviews
Have you tried this hamburger stew? I would love to hear how it turned out in your kitchen. Your notes and ratings truly help others.
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