Description of this recipe:
Hamburger Stew is a timeless comfort food that brings together the savory goodness of ground beef with a medley of tender vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. This one-pot wonder is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or any time you crave a satisfying and wholesome meal. This recipe builds on the basics, elevating the stew with layers of flavor from herbs, spices, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. It’s a hearty, budget-friendly dish that’s easy to customize to your liking, making it a true staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Hamburger Stew recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. You’ll love it because:
- It’s incredibly comforting: The warm, savory flavors and hearty texture are like a hug in a bowl.
- It’s packed with flavor: The combination of browned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices creates a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
- It’s easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or even a splash of cream for extra richness.
- It’s budget-friendly: Using affordable ingredients, this stew is a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- It’s a one-pot meal: Minimal cleanup is always a win!
- It’s Perfect for Meal Prep: Hamburger stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
- Freezable for Later: Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for easy meals on busy days.
- Hidden Vegetable Power: A great way to sneak extra vegetables into your family’s diet.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 21 ounces potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 16 ounces carrots, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch coins
- 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon MSG (optional, but enhances flavor)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup frozen green peas
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables. Wash, peel and chop the potatoes into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes and the carrots into ¼-inch (6 mm) coins. Peel and dice the onion, and peel and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside the prepared vegetables. Proper preparation is key to ensuring even cooking and optimal flavor release. Make sure all the vegetables are roughly the same size. This is important to ensure they cook at the same rate and avoids some pieces being overcooked and others undercooked.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef in a single flattened layer. Let the beef brown undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until browned on the bottom. Then, break the meat into chunks with a spatula and cook until almost cooked through. Browning the beef develops a rich, savory flavor that is essential to the stew. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will steam the beef instead of browning it. If necessary, brown the beef in batches.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté for 10 minutes to soften the vegetables, stirring occasionally. Sautéing the vegetables softens them and allows their natural sweetness to develop, further enhancing the flavor of the stew. The aromatics from the onion and garlic will infuse the beef and vegetables, creating a delicious base for the broth.
Step 4: Simmer the stew. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, basil, MSG (if using), black pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the stew cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become perfectly tender. The bay leaf adds a subtle, yet essential, layer of complexity to the stew.
Step 5: Thicken the stew. In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Shake well to combine, then pour the mixture into the stew. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes, until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. The cornstarch slurry thickens the stew, creating a luscious and satisfying texture. Be sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the stew to prevent clumping.
Step 6: Finish and serve. Stir in the frozen green peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the hot stew with buttered bread or rolls for dipping. Adding the frozen peas at the end preserves their bright green color and fresh flavor.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for added richness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for an even heartier dish.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stew.
- Serve with a side of cornbread for a classic comfort food pairing.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a melty, cheesy topping.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef chuck instead of ground beef. Brown the chuck in the pot before adding the vegetables, then remove it and shred it before returning it to the stew.
- Add other vegetables such as celery, parsnips, or turnips for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Add the fresh herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
- For a thicker stew, use more cornstarch or cook the stew uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
- To prevent the stew from sticking to the bottom of the pot, stir it frequently, especially during the thickening process.
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Add a can of drained and rinsed beans (such as kidney beans or cannellini beans) for added protein and fiber.
- Consider adding a splash of red wine to the stew for a deeper, more complex flavor. Add the wine after browning the beef and let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
Hamburger Stew is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty dish to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to please. With its comforting flavors, simple ingredients, and customizable nature, Hamburger Stew is a true classic that will become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort! It’s a testament to the fact that the simplest of ingredients, when combined with care and attention, can create something truly extraordinary. Enjoy!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, absolutely! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the ground beef on the stovetop as instructed, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the vegetables, broth, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Thicken the stew with the cornstarch slurry (mixed with cold water) during the last 30 minutes on high heat, uncovered.
Q2: I don’t have beef broth. Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth. However, keep in mind that using a different type of broth will slightly alter the flavor profile of the stew. Chicken broth will result in a lighter flavor, while vegetable broth will add a more subtle, plant-based note. You can also use bouillon cubes or powder dissolved in water as a broth substitute.
Q3: Can I add more vegetables to this stew?
A: Absolutely! One of the great things about Hamburger Stew is its versatility. Feel free to add other vegetables to your liking, such as celery, parsnips, turnips, green beans, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that different vegetables have different cooking times, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Add heartier vegetables like celery, parsnips, and turnips along with the potatoes and carrots, while more tender vegetables like green beans and mushrooms should be added towards the end of cooking.
Q4: Is MSG really necessary for this recipe?
A: No, MSG is not absolutely necessary, but it does enhance the savory flavor of the stew. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer that is often used in Asian cuisine, but it can also be used to add depth and umami to other dishes. If you are sensitive to MSG or prefer to avoid it, you can simply omit it from the recipe without significantly affecting the overall flavor. However, many people find that MSG adds a certain “je ne sais quoi” to the stew, making it even more delicious.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, Hamburger Stew is a great make-ahead dish! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can prepare the stew up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze leftover stew for longer storage.
