Hamburger Stew

When you need a warm, filling dinner that doesn’t take all day, Hamburger Stew is one of those dependable recipes that always comes through. Some stews require long simmer times or expensive cuts of meat, while others turn out thin or bland.

This version uses simple ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth to create a cozy, satisfying meal the whole family will love. I’ve made this stew for years during busy weeks, cold evenings, and meal-prep Sundays—it’s affordable, comforting, and even better the next day.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make Hamburger Stew step by step, plus pro tips, variations, storage ideas, and FAQs so it turns out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling with simple ingredients

• Budget-friendly comfort food

• One-pot meal with easy cleanup

• Great for leftovers and freezing

Ingredients & Prep

This Hamburger Stew uses pantry staples and everyday vegetables to build deep flavor.

Main Ingredients Prep

• Ground beef – Lean or regular, browned and drained

• Potatoes – Peeled and diced into bite-size chunks

• Carrots – Sliced evenly for tender texture

• Onion – Diced for a savory base

Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base

• Garlic – Minced for depth

• Tomato paste – Adds richness and body

• Beef broth – Creates the hearty stew base

Pantry Staples

• Olive oil – For sautéing

• Salt – Season gradually

• Black pepper – Balances flavors

• Paprika or thyme – Optional but recommended

• Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory depth

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep

• Chop all vegetables into similar-sized pieces

• Measure broth and seasonings

Cooking Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat

2. Add ground beef and cook until browned

3. Drain excess grease if needed

4. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened

5. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant

6. Add tomato paste and stir until coated

7. Pour in beef broth

8. Add potatoes, carrots, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper

9. Bring to a gentle boil

10. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally

Doneness or Texture Check

Your Hamburger Stew is ready when:

• Potatoes are fork-tender

• Broth is rich and slightly thick

• Beef is fully cooked and flavorful

Resting or Final Touches

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping browning the beef – You’ll lose flavor

• Cutting vegetables too large – They’ll cook unevenly

• Under-seasoning – Stews need enough salt

Recommended Tools

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon

• Ladle

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers up to 4 days

• Freeze: Freeze in portions up to 3 months

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave

Flavor Variations

Hamburger Stew is easy to customize.

Spicy Version

• Add red pepper flakes

• Stir in cayenne pepper

• Add diced jalapeños

Healthy / Special Diet Option

• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey

• Add extra vegetables like green beans or peas

• Naturally dairy-free

Global Flavor Twist

• Italian-style: Add Italian seasoning and tomatoes

• Southwest: Add corn and cumin

• Herb-forward: Add rosemary or bay leaf

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs well with classic comfort sides.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread or rolls

• Biscuits

• Simple green salad

Toppings

• Fresh parsley

• Cracked black pepper

Drinks

• Iced tea

• Water or sparkling water

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Hamburger Stew tastes even better the next day and is perfect for meal prep.

How do I fix common mistakes?

• Too thick: Add more broth or water

• Too thin: Simmer uncovered longer

• Bland: Add salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce

Conclusion

This Hamburger Stew is classic comfort food at its best—simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or anytime you want a no-fuss meal that fills everyone up.

Readers love this recipe because it’s affordable, reliable, and easy to adapt. If you enjoyed this stew, try a classic beef soup or vegetable beef stew next for another cozy dinner idea.

Make a big pot—this one never lasts long.