Hearty Ground Beef Stew

There’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of stew on a chilly evening. This classic Ground Beef Stew recipe delivers all the heartiness and flavor you crave, without any fuss. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.

This Ground Beef Stew recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s a dish my mom used to make for us growing up, and it always brings back memories of cozy family dinners. The aroma of simmering beef and vegetables filling the house is pure comfort. I love how versatile this recipe is – you can easily adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your liking, and it’s perfect for meal prep or freezing for later. It’s a true weeknight hero that never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients Breakdown: Ground Beef Stew

• Ground Beef (1 pound): Choose a lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
• Onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the stew.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Provides a savory punch and aromatic notes.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the stew.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Optional, for a touch of heat. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Beef Stock (3 cups): The base of the stew, providing rich flavor and moisture.
• Diced Tomatoes (14.5-oz. can): Adds sweetness, acidity, and vibrant color to the stew.
• Small Yellow Potatoes (2 pounds, quartered): Provides heartiness and texture. You can also use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Russet.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables (2 cups): A convenient way to add a variety of vegetables to the stew. Feel free to use your favorite blend.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of dried herbs that adds complexity and depth of flavor.
• Tomato Paste (6-oz. can): Thickens the stew and intensifies the tomato flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• Brown the beef well: This helps to develop a richer flavor and prevent the stew from becoming greasy.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: Simmer the stew until the potatoes are tender but not mushy.
• Adjust the consistency: If the stew is too thick, add a little more beef stock or water.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple and easy: This recipe is perfect for even novice cooks.
• Budget-friendly: It uses readily available and affordable ingredients.
• Comforting and flavorful: This stew is packed with warmth and satisfying flavors.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
• Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for easy meals later.

FAQs:

• Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? Absolutely! Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Can I add other ingredients to this stew? Yes, you can add other ingredients such as beans, lentils, or corn.
• How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations:

• Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles or lentils.
• Slow Cooker: Brown the beef and onions in a skillet, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

This hearty Ground Beef Stew is the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy it with a crusty loaf of bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Ground Beef Stew

This thick and hearty Ground Beef Stew has all of the traditional stew flavors you love but you can have it on the table in half the time!

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Servings 4

Ingredients

  

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• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 Onion diced
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 cups Beef stock
• 1 14.5- oz. Can diced tomatoes
• 2 pounds Small yellow potatoes quartered
• 2 cups Frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 6- oz. Can tomato paste

Instructions

 

• In a stockpot or large saucepan, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Season with salt, black pepper and crushed pepper flakes. Drain.
• Add beef stock, can tomatoes, potatoes, mixed veggies and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer at least until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. (This can definitely be simmered all day or even put together in a crockpot for the whole day.)
• About 10 minutes before serving, stir in tomato paste. Let simmer uncovered and serve.

Notes

The stew will seem more like soup before adding the tomato paste. The tomato paste will thicken it up to a familiar stew consistency. But if you’d prefer a simple soup dinner instead, just omit the tomato paste.

Ground beef stew freezes perfectly so consider doubling or even tripling the recipe and get a few nights’ worth of dinners at once.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!