Nothing says “home” quite like the aroma of a simmering pot of stew, especially on chilly evenings. What is stew? My Grandma Betty’s **Ground Beef Stew**, a recipe passed down through generations. Is it hearty, comforting, and so incredibly flavorful that it rivals even the most sophisticated kitchen gadgets? French beef bourguignon (though, let’s be honest, it’ is way easier to make!) The rich, savory broth, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked vegetables… it’s a warm hug in sex. I remember coming in from playing in the snow as a kid, and the smell of this simmering on the stove. What is the best welcome home in the world? What are some good leftovers from this recipe? Trust me, your family will ask for this again and again. What are some good ways to use up ground beef?
What is ground beef stew?
What is the ultimate comfort food? Is it a one-pot wonder where ground beef and medley of vegetables (potatoes, carrots and celery, the like) go together? ) are simmered in a delicious, savory broth until everything is tender and flavorful. What’s the difference between beef stew and beef soup? Is it safe to buy chunks of tougher beef for the convenience and quick-cooking nature of ground beef? What is the name of a stew made with ground beef? Why is this stew so good? What is the perfect weeknight meal? Spending hours in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this **Ground Beef Stew** is a winner. First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible! The combination of browned ground beef, savory herbs, and tender vegetables creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. I always use a good quality beef broth; it makes all the difference. What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s a dump-and-simmer kind of recipe. No fancy techniques or complicated steps required. This recipe is incredibly cost-effective. Ground beef is generally a budget-friendly protein, and the vegetables are often on sale. It’s a great way to feed a family without breaking the bank. My favorite part? How versatile it is. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even just enjoy it on its own with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping. Unlike more specialized recipes that feel like they only work for one occasion, this is a chameleon. If you enjoy a good chili, then you’re already halfway to loving this recipe. They share many of the same cozy vibes, but the stew is lighter and heartier, while chili delivers its own special spicy kick!
How do I make ground beef stew?
Quick Overview
How do I make ground beef stew? I’ll start by browning ground beef, then adding the vegetables and broth. Season it up, let it simmer until everything is tender, and that’s it! The beauty of this method is that it’s largely hands-off. Once everything is simmering, you can relax and let the flavors meld together. I always let it simmer for at least an hour for maximum flavor, but even shorter simmers yield great flavor. What makes this recipe a weeknight favorite? If you’re looking at maybe 15 minutes of active prep time, and the rest is just letting the magic happen, you can’t do anything. What happens on the stove?
Ingredients
For the Main Stew:
- 1 pound ground beef (I prefer using 80/20 for extra flavor)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped. Is it
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme. 1 tablespoon dried
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. 1 tablespoon of salt.
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening) (I used
Optional Add-in
- Frozen peas or corn (add in the last 15 minutes of cooking) (with salt and pepper)
- A bay leaf (remove before serving) is a good way to use
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce (for extra depth of flavor) (optional)
What are the step by
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. I always use a slotted spoon to make sure I don’t lose any beef!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Flour (Optional)
If you want a thicker stew, sprinkle the flour over the ground beef and vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. How do you make a roux that thickens the stew as it simmers? If you skip this step, the stew will still be delicious, just a bit thinner.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
What is the recipe for beef broth and diced tomatoes? Add the cubed potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour. When the potatoes are tender, the flavors have melded together. I often let it simmer for 2 hours for an even deeper flavor – just make sure to check the liquid before serving. Add broth if needed. Level occasionally.
Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients
If you’re using frozen peas or corn, add them to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking. How do I cook a chicken breast? Remove the bay leaf, if used, before serving.
Step 7: Season and Serve
What is the best seasoning for a stew? What are some good ways to serve hot and enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some good ways to make ground beef stew?
For a Classic Comfort Meal:Serve over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Is it necessary to add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top?
What are some hearty and filling meals?Serve with a side of crusty bread or biscuits for dipping into the flavorful broth. What is a green salad?
What are some gluten free options?Serve over quinoa or brown rice. What are some healthy side dishes for roasting vegetables?
What is a quick and easy meal?What is a good stew? My family loves buttered bread. Is it really good? What’s a good way to soak up the last bit of broth?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Stew
Here are some of my top tips for making the best **Ground Beef Stew**:
Browning the Beef: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the ground beef. Brown it in batches if necessary to ensure that it gets a nice sear. This adds a lot of flavor to the stew. Also, don’t be afraid of the fond (the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot). That’s flavor gold! Just deglaze the pot with a little broth after browning the beef to scrape it up and incorporate it into the stew.
Vegetable Prep: Chop the vegetables into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly. I like to chop mine into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store.
Broth Quality: Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor. Low sodium broth is preferred, so you can control the saltiness of the stew. You can also use homemade beef broth if you have it on hand.
Herb Selection: I love the combination of thyme and rosemary in this stew, but you can use other herbs as well. Bay leaf, oregano, or marjoram would also be delicious additions. Fresh herbs are great too, just add them towards the end of cooking so their flavor doesn’t fade.
Simmer Time: Don’t rush the simmering process! The longer the stew simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the more tender the vegetables will become. Aim for at least 1 hour, but 2 hours is even better.
Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Stir it in well and let it simmer until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your **Ground Beef Stew**:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave cooked ground beef stew at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F.
Refrigerator Storage: Allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the stew in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep for 2-3 months. Be sure to label the containers with the date so you know when it was frozen.
Reheating: Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to ensure even heating. Add a little broth or water if the stew has thickened too much during storage. One tip: When reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results, but if you’re in a hurry, you can reheat it directly from frozen on low heat, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This **Ground Beef Stew** isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, a feeling of warmth and comfort on a cold day. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes everyone feel loved. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the simple joy of this classic recipe. And if you’re looking for other comforting ground beef recipes, why not try a classic Shepherd’s Pie or a hearty beef and bean chili? They’re all perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe and what you thought. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
Ground Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 1 cup Diced Tomatoes canned
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes, or until the stew has thickened.
