Hamburger Stew

This hamburger stew is a rich and savory dish that comes together much easier than a classic stew while still delivering incredible flavor. With hearty ground beef, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it's the perfect comforting meal for a cozy night in!

This hamburger stew is a quick and satisfying dinner made with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, tender vegetables, and a savory broth. It's an easy one-pot meal that delivers all the rich flavors of a traditional stew without the extra time and effort.

It's the kind of dish that fills you up and keeps you going, perfect for chilly evenings or busy days. For more hearty and flavorful meals, try my German sausage lentil soup or black bean and lentil soup-both packed with delicious ingredients and easy to make!

Hamburger Stew Ingredients

To make this hamburger stew you'll need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef: A very accessible and budget-friendly cut of beef that brings rich, hearty flavor to the stew. It cooks quickly, making this dish much faster to prepare than a traditional beef stew with chunks of meat.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, potatoes, and frozen peas create the perfect classic combination for a beef stew. They add natural sweetness, texture, and balance to the savory broth.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic form the flavor foundation of the stew, adding depth and warmth. Sautéing them first enhances their natural sweetness and infuses the dish with a rich, savory aroma.
• Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the stew, giving it a rich and velvety consistency. To keep it gluten-free, swap it for a cornstarch slurry, which provides the same thickening power without the gluten.
• Spices and herbs: Paprika, dried thyme, and a bay leaf bring aromatic depth and warmth to the stew. These seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables while adding a subtle complexity.
• Tomato paste: A small amount of tomato paste adds richness and depth, giving the broth a slightly tangy, umami-packed flavor. It also deepens the color of the stew, making it even more appetizing.
• Beef broth: The essential liquid base that ties everything together, providing a rich, savory foundation. Using a good-quality broth enhances the overall taste, making the stew more flavorful and satisfying.

How to make hamburger stew

Cook the ground beef. First, preheat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Next, add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper. Then remove the ground beef from the pot.

Sauté the vegetables and aromatics. Next, add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the aromatics are fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.

Season and sauté. Now add the ground beef back to the pot. Add the flour and stir until combined. Then add the tomato paste and paprika powder. Continue to cook everything for a few more minutes.

Simmer. Add the potatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme to the pot. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Give the beef stew an occasional stir.

Finish. Stir in the peas. Check the seasoning and adjust it to your taste. Thicken the stew by letting it simmer uncovered or thin it with more liquid if needed.

Serve. Serve with your favorite sides (potato gnocchi are highly recommended!) and enjoy!

Tips & Notes

• Brown the ground beef well: Let the beef develop a deep, rich color by cooking it over medium-high heat without stirring too often. This enhances the flavor of the stew by adding caramelized notes.
• Sauté the aromatics properly: Cooking the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant before adding the other ingredients helps build a more flavorful base. This simple step brings out their natural sweetness and depth.
• Use the right thickener: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix flour into the beef before adding broth, or use a cornstarch slurry at the end for a gluten-free option. This ensures a smooth, velvety texture without lumps.
• Let the flavors meld: Simmering the stew for at least 20-30 minutes allows the spices and herbs to infuse into the broth. For even better results, make it ahead of time and let it rest before serving-stews always taste better the next day!
• Don't skip the tomato paste: Tomato paste adds a deep, rich umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stew. Even a small amount makes a big difference, giving the broth more depth and a well-rounded flavor.
• Adjust the consistency to your liking: If you prefer a thinner stew, add more beef broth to reach your desired texture. For a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.

How to serve hamburger stew

• With potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi soak up the rich stew, making for a hearty and satisfying meal. This is my favorite way to enjoy it!
• With egg noodles: Tender egg noodles add a deliciously comforting touch and pair perfectly with the rich, hearty stew.
• Over mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the thick, flavorful stew, creating a comforting combination.
• Over rice: Serving the stew over fluffy white or brown rice makes for a filling and well-balanced meal while soaking up all the savory flavors.
• With crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

More warming and flavorful recipes

If you're looking for more comforting and delicious dishes, be sure to check out the following recipes:

• German Potato Soup
• Hungarian Goulash
• Beef Pumpkin Chili
• White Ground Chicken Chili
• German sausage lentil soup