When chilly weather calls for something rich and satisfying, this Ground Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you’ll want simmering on your stove — it’s a cozy, colorful medley of savory flavors, meltingly tender vegetables, and ground beef in a soothing broth. Imagine the heartiness of a classic stew with the ease and speed of ground beef, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or Sunday supper. Each spoonful brings a comforting blend of seasoned meat, sweet carrots, earthy potatoes, and a tomato-kissed broth, all in one soul-warming bowl. If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s simple to make and sure to please, you’ve just met your new favorite recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Ground Beef Stew Recipe is refreshingly simple, but each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. Fresh veggies, pantry staples, and a few seasonings join forces for a stew that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep things hearty without being greasy—this forms the flavorful base of the stew.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for extra depth of flavor.
- Onion: Chopped onions bring sweetness and aromatics that round out the overall taste.
- Garlic: Minced and sautéed, garlic infuses every bite with a warm, savory note.
- Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and a satisfying tender crunch.
- Celery: Brings subtle bitterness and a signature “stew” flavor, plus great texture.
- Potatoes: Peeled and cubed, potatoes turn melt-in-your-mouth tender and help thicken the stew naturally.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Adds brightness and a gentle acidity, plus juicy texture from the tomatoes and their juice.
- Beef Broth: Makes up the body of your stew and imparts rich, savory undertones.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the stew’s flavor and lends a gorgeous reddish hue.
- Dried Thyme: Aromatic and earthy, thyme enhances the overall complexity.
- Dried Oregano: Adds an herby depth that pairs beautifully with beef.
- Bay Leaf: Just one does the trick, imbuing a subtle layer of floral and herbal flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste for perfect savory balance.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A dash brings an umami punch and ties everything together.
- Cornstarch Slurry (optional): Mix with water and stir in for a thicker, more luxurious broth.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and bright flavor when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Ground Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it get nice and brown for plenty of flavor—this step is where your stew’s heartiness truly begins. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat if necessary to keep things light and delicious.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. This quick step builds a savory base, ensuring your entire Ground Beef Stew Recipe is layered with rich, mouthwatering aromas.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Toss in your sliced carrots, chopped celery, and cubed potatoes. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly. This helps the vegetables begin to soften and soak up the juicy flavors from the meat and aromatics—a little patience here is worth it.
Step 4: Pour in the Liquids and Seasonings
Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (including all that flavorful juice), the beef broth, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Add the Worcestershire sauce, too! Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil, letting your kitchen fill with irresistible savory scents.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes, giving all those vegetables time to turn perfectly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed as you go.
Step 6: Thicken and Finish
If you love a thick stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes until it’s as hearty and luscious as you like. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf! Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if you wish, and prepare for cozy bliss.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
This stew loves a little finishing touch—think a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for zing. For extra richness, a swirl of sour cream or even a bit of grated cheese on top can turn each bowl into an extra-special treat.
Side Dishes
The Ground Beef Stew Recipe pairs perfectly with warm, crusty bread (for dunking, naturally), a fluffy scoop of rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, serve it with a simple green salad on the side, letting the stew take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this stew in hollowed-out bread bowls or over baked potatoes for a fun twist. You can even ladle it into small mugs or mini ramekins for a cozy appetizer at a winter gathering—everyone loves a clever and comforting presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts about this Ground Beef Stew Recipe is how well it holds up for leftovers—you’ll actually find the flavors deepen overnight! Simply transfer completely cooled stew into airtight containers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
This stew freezes like a dream. Portion out cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place your stew in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring gently as it warms through. A splash of extra broth can help loosen the texture if it thickens too much after chilling. Alternatively, pop individual portions into the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work well if you’re looking for a lighter version. You can even try ground pork for a rich, savory twist on the Ground Beef Stew Recipe.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, just brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed on the stovetop, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, and enjoy a hands-off version of the stew.
How can I add more vegetables?
You can easily stir in a handful of green beans, peas, corn, or even spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This not only boosts nutrition but adds lovely color and extra heartiness to the Ground Beef Stew Recipe.
Can I make this stew gluten-free?
Yes! This Ground Beef Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce don’t contain gluten. Check your ingredient labels to be safe.
What if my stew is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, just add a little more beef broth to loosen the consistency. If it seems too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce or stir in a bit more cornstarch slurry to thicken to your liking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a bowlful of comfort that’s as satisfying as it is simple, I can’t recommend this Ground Beef Stew Recipe enough. Make a big batch, share it with friends or family, and savor the unbeatable flavors only a homemade stew can bring!
Print
Ground Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Ground Beef Stew recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew is easy to make and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Stew:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Simmer: Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, herbs, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Thicken (Optional): For a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes.
- Serve: Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can add green beans, peas, or corn in the last 10 minutes for extra veggies.
- This stew stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
