Hearty Hamburger Stew is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a nourishing and deeply satisfying one-pot meal. This recipe builds layers of flavor starting with well-browned ground beef and softened onions, then incorporates aromatic herbs and robust fire-roasted tomatoes to create a rich base. The addition of chunky potatoes and carrots makes this stew substantial enough to stand as a complete meal, while the frozen peas added at the end provide a pop of color and freshness. Unlike many stews that require hours of simmering, this version comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade and comforting without spending all day in the kitchen.
The beauty of this stew lies in its methodical approach to building flavor. By browning the ground beef properly and adding the onions partway through, you develop a deep, savory foundation that forms the soul of the dish. The brief toasting of the dried herbs in the residual fat awakens their essential oils, allowing their fragrances to permeate the entire stew. The fire-roasted tomatoes contribute a subtle smokiness that elevates the broth beyond ordinary canned tomatoes, while the tomato paste dissolved in beef broth creates a rich, cohesive liquid that beautifully coats the vegetables and meat. As the stew simmers, the potatoes release just enough starch to slightly thicken the broth, resulting in a perfect spoon-coating consistency that’s neither too thick nor too watery. This is the kind of dependable, family-friendly recipe that will become a regular in your rotation, especially on chilly evenings when a bowl of something warm and substantial is exactly what you need.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• One-Pot Wonder: Easy preparation with minimal cleanup
• Family-Friendly: Familiar ingredients that appeal to all ages
• Quick Comfort Food: Ready in under an hour from start to finish
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients
Ingredients:
• 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 works well)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon crushed rosemary
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into small cubes
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1¼ cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ⅔ cup frozen peas
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions
• In a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. When the beef is about halfway browned (after 3-4 minutes), add the chopped onion and continue cooking until the onion is softened and the beef is fully browned, approximately 5-6 minutes total. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
• Reduce the heat to low. Add the minced garlic, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the herbs are fragrant.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Tomatoes
• Add the cubed potatoes, chopped carrots, and the entire can of fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Create the Broth
• In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot and stir everything to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
• Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Finish with Peas
• Add the frozen peas to the stew, cover again, and continue simmering until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork, about 10-15 minutes more.
Step 7: Season and Serve
• Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot in bowls.
Tips:
• Don’t Skip Draining: Removing excess grease after browning the beef prevents a greasy stew
• Uniform Cutting: Cut potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces for even cooking
• Herb Flexibility: Feel free to use an Italian seasoning blend in place of the individual herbs
• Broth Consistency: For a thicker stew, mash some potatoes against the side of the pot before serving
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; note that potato texture may change slightly upon thawing
Hearty Hamburger Stew is the perfect solution for when you need a comforting, complete meal that comes together without fuss. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture make it a timeless classic that will warm you from the inside out.
