Hearty ground beef stew is a robust and flavorful dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and a savory broth. It is comforting, nourishing, and ideal for cooler evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stew combines rich flavors, textures, and nutrients in a single bowl. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and a satisfying one-pot meal that feeds the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Carrots, chopped
- Celery, sliced
- Bell peppers
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Beef broth
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Dried thyme
- Bay leaf
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped vegetables and sauté briefly.
- Stir in tomatoes, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaf and serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Add legumes: Stir in beans or lentils for extra protein.
- Spicy option: Add cayenne or hot sauce to taste.
- Slow cooker method: Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Ground turkey: Substitute beef for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
Store refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in a pot or microwave until fully warmed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, they are convenient and reduce prep time.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, portion and freeze for easy future meals.
Can I thicken the stew?
Add a cornstarch slurry or let simmer longer uncovered.
Can I use chicken broth?
Yes, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
What can I serve with it?
Crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes work well.
Can I omit certain vegetables?
Absolutely, customize to your preference.
How can I reduce the fat?
Use lean ground beef and drain well after browning.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?
Yes, it will result in a thicker broth.
Is it suitable for meal prep?
Very much so, as flavors deepen over time.
How do I make it in a pressure cooker?
Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and release naturally.
Conclusion
Hearty ground beef stew is a fulfilling, flavorful dish that’s simple to make and endlessly customizable. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, it’s a dependable recipe that brings warmth and nourishment to your table.
Print
Hearty Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Hearty ground beef stew is a robust, comforting dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for nourishing meals on cooler days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let the stew simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Frozen vegetables can be used as a time-saving option.
- Customize with different vegetables or add legumes for more protein.
- This stew freezes well and is ideal for meal prep.
- Letting the stew rest a day enhances the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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