There is nothing quite like a cozy bowl of stew to warm your heart and soul, and this Hearty Hamburger Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe does just that with its rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures. It combines tender ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and a velvety broth, creating a dish that feels like a comforting hug after a long day. The blend of potatoes, carrots, and peas adds both color and a wonderful natural sweetness that balances the robust beef perfectly. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or you’re craving a simple homemade meal, this stew is a timeless favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this stew lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is easy to find but plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and creating the perfect stew texture that everyone loves. From the hearty potatoes that add creaminess to the peas that bring a burst of freshness, every element contributes to a well-rounded and satisfying dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds a sweet and savory base that deepens the stew’s flavor.
- 3 sticks celery (chopped): Provides a mild crunch and aromatic balance.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the stew with a warm, inviting aroma and a bit of zest.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this stew truly satisfying.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the broth to just the right consistency.
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste: Adds a rich, tangy depth and beautiful color.
- 4 cups beef broth (+ more if needed): The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and gives a slight tangy complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the stew’s savory notes.
- 2 Russet potatoes (peeled & diced): Tender, comforting, and perfect for soaking up the broth.
- 4 medium carrots (peeled & sliced): Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional): A pop of bright green and subtle sweetness at the end.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring everything together beautifully.
How to Make Hearty Hamburger Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, stirring occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their sweet, savory aromas. This step builds a flavorful base that welcomes every other ingredient into the pot.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds. This short burst of heat unlocks garlic’s bold fragrance without overpowering the dish, perfectly complementing the vegetables already sautéed.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Now it’s time for the star of the stew — ground beef. Add it to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Browning the beef over about 8 minutes ensures it develops a rich, caramelized flavor, which makes the stew deeply satisfying.
Step 4: Sprinkle in Flour
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned beef and stir well, letting it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This step helps the stew thicken nicely, giving the broth a luscious texture that clings to each spoonful.
Step 5: Stir in Tomato Paste
Adding the tomato paste at this point lets it meld beautifully with the beef and flour mixture. Stir it in thoroughly to coat the ingredients, which adds a tangy depth and rich color that makes the stew visually inviting and delicious.
Step 6: Add Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, peeled and diced potatoes, and sliced carrots. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then lower it to a rapid simmer. Cover the pot slightly ajar and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the potatoes and carrots to become tender and the flavors to develop fully. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of broth; for a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
Step 7: Finish with Peas and Seasoning
Finally, stir in the frozen peas for a fresh, sweet pop of color and flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper to suit your taste, tasting as you go, so the stew’s seasoning is just right.
How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch that brightens and freshens this hearty stew, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a little shredded cheddar can also add creaminess and richness if you’re in the mood for something indulgent.
Side Dishes
This stew shines on its own but pairing it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is a classic way to enjoy every last flavorful drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls to make the experience even cozier. You can also ladle it over buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting twist or add a sprinkle of crispy bacon on top for a smoky finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and the flavors will continue to meld, making the leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this stew freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might need to add a little broth or water to loosen the stew if it thickened too much during storage or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of ground pork and beef work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat browns properly.
Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep flavors balanced.
Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?
You can, but browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables beforehand will improve the flavor. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own with dried basil, oregano, and thyme. A pinch of rosemary and marjoram can also add a nice herbal touch.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
Cook it uncovered on low heat to reduce the liquid naturally, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Hamburger Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like home in every bite. It’s simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor, perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table. Give it a try soon—you might find it becoming one of your go-to comfort meals for any season.
Print
Hearty Hamburger Stew with Potatoes, Carrots, and Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Hamburger Stew recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish combining lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth. Perfect for a cozy family meal, it features tender potatoes, carrots, and optional peas simmered to perfection in a savory beef broth infused with Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 sticks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth, plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown beef: Add lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 8 minutes until fully browned.
- Add flour: Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to incorporate.
- Mix tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste evenly into the mixture.
- Add liquids and vegetables: Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Add diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a rapid simmer and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender. Add more broth if stew thickens too much; to thicken, cook uncovered longer.
- Finish with peas and seasoning: Stir in frozen peas, and season the stew with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, continue simmering uncovered until desired consistency is reached.
- Frozen peas add color and sweetness but are optional.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to your preference.
- Use lean ground beef to keep the stew less greasy.
- Adding more broth can help adjust thickness if the stew becomes too dense during cooking.
