There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of simmering stew on a chilly day. Our Ground Beef Stew Recipe is a warm hug in a bowl, a timeless dish packed with flavor and simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Equipments
- Large pot or dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Ground Beef Stew Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Heat your pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it is thoroughly browned using a wooden spoon to break it apart and ensure even cooking. Drain excess grease if necessary. This browning process not only cooks the beef but also enhances its flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onions and garlic, stirring them into the beef. Allow this mixture to cook until the onions are translucent, releasing their sweetness and fragrance, which forms the flavor base for your stew.
Step 3: Add the Hearty Elements
Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. These root vegetables are traditional stew staples and provide texture and nourishment. Adding them now allows these ingredients to absorb the flavor as they cook.
Step 4: Incorporate Liquids
Add the beef broth, canned diced tomatoes, and tomato paste, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly. These liquids form the stew’s base, allowing flavors to meld while thickening slightly due to the tomato paste.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in thyme and rosemary, adjusting seasons according to your taste. Let the stew simmer on low heat for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the liquids have reduced, achieving a stewy texture.
Step 6: Finish with Peas
Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Peas add a touch of sweetness and brightness, balancing the hearty flavors of the stew perfectly.
How to Serve Ground Beef Stew Recipe
Serve this hearty stew hot, ladled into bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish if desired. It pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that warms you from the inside out.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers or substituting the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist on flavor. To deepen the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of chili flakes for a mild spice kick.
Protein Powerhouse: Enhanced High Protein Ground Beef Stew
To ramp up the protein content in your stew, consider adding some cooked quinoa or lentils. These ingredients not only complement the beef but also add additional heartiness and texture. For those who need an even bigger protein boost, a can of drained kidney beans or chickpeas can be stirred in at the end, transforming the dish into an even more nutritious power-packed meal.
Low-Carb Magic: Ground Beef Stew Without the Guilt
Cutting down on carbs doesn’t mean you have to cut out the stew. Swap out the potatoes with more low-carb veggies like zucchini or cauliflower florets. Reducing the amount of broth and using a thick beef gravy made from beef gelatin or xanthan gum can help maintain a thick, fulfilling texture while catering to a keto lifestyle. This version remains delicious but friendly to your carb count goals.
Storage Instructions
This stew stores beautifully. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For extended storage, freeze the stew in single-use portions for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it completely cool before sealing to maintain flavor and texture upon reheating.
FAQs
- Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, just brown your meat and sauté your onions and garlic beforehand, then transfer everything to the slow cooker to develop deep flavors over several hours. - What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken work as great alternatives, offering a lighter yet equally flavorful choice. - How can I enhance stew flavor?
Add a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce, a bay leaf, or dried herbs like oregano for more complex flavors. - Is it possible to make this stew allergen-free?
Yes, by substituting with non-dairy alternatives and gluten-free thickener options. - How can I thicken my stew if needed?
Use a cornstarch slurry or mash some of the potatoes into the stew to enhance thickness without altering flavor much.
Wrap It Up With a Spoon: Enjoying Every Bite of Your Ground Beef Stew
Let your kitchen fill with the delightful aroma of this comforting stew, perfect for making any day special. Be sure to share this recipe with friends, leave a comment below on how it turned out, and tag us in your tasty photos! This deliciously hearty Ground Beef Stew Recipe is meant to be shared and savored, spoon by hearty spoon.
Hearty Ground Beef Stew Recipe: A Comfort Classic
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- onion
- garlic
- carrots
- potatoes
- beef broth
- diced tomatoes
- tomato paste
- thyme rosemary, salt, and pepper
- peas
Instructions
Steps
- Heat the pot and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté chopped onions and garlic with the beef until onions are translucent.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Pour in beef broth, tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well.
- Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning.