Ground beef stew is one of those dishes that feels like it was made just for you. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any day you want something hearty without a lot of fuss. This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and the result is a stew that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Stew
Ground beef stew holds a unique place in the world of comfort foods. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and wonderfully satisfying. Here’s why this dish will quickly earn a permanent spot on your meal plan:
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is one of the most cost-effective protein options, giving you hearty meals without stretching your wallet.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items—basic veggies, broth, and pantry staples bring this stew to life.
Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you like yours spicy, mild, or packed with extra veggies, ground beef stew is a flexible dish that adapts to your taste and dietary needs.
Perfect for All Seasons: While it’s an undeniable winter warmer, this stew is comforting any time you crave something nourishing and filling.
Family-Friendly: Most people, young or old, love the flavors here. It’s a great way to sneak in vegetables for picky eaters without fuss.
By understanding what makes ground beef stew so beloved, you’ll appreciate the full experience—from the first simmer to the last satisfying spoonful.
Ingredients
Ground beef – The star ingredient in this ground beef stew, it provides rich flavor and hearty texture. For the best taste, use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat). Leaner beef can dry out the stew, while fattier cuts add more juiciness.
Potatoes – Diced potatoes give body and substance to the ground beef stew. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well because they hold their shape while becoming tender. Avoid waxy potatoes that turn mushy.
Carrots – Sliced carrots add sweetness and color to the stew. They soften during cooking and balance the savory flavors of the ground beef stew.
Onion – Chopped onion forms the aromatic base for the stew, enhancing the depth of flavor. Use yellow or white onions for the classic taste.
Garlic – Minced garlic adds a punch of savory aroma essential for a flavorful ground beef stew. Fresh garlic works best to brighten the dish.
Beef broth – The liquid foundation of this ground beef stew. Low-sodium beef broth is recommended to control salt levels and keep the flavor rich and savory.
Tomato paste – Concentrated tomato paste deepens the stew’s flavor and adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the beef.
Worcestershire sauce – A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami complexity to the ground beef stew, enhancing its savory profile.
How to Make Ground Beef Stew
Making ground beef stew is easier than you might think, and the process rewards you with deep, layered flavors.
Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook until translucent and fragrant, around 3 minutes.
Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. This step deepens the stew’s flavor by caramelizing the tomato sugars.
Combine vegetables and broth: Toss in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery (if using). Pour in the beef broth, and stir in Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme.
Simmer gently: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
Final touches: Stir in frozen peas (if using) during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
This method ensures that every ingredient cooks perfectly, creating a stew that’s hearty but not heavy, rich but not overpowering.
Expert Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stew
Getting stew just right is about more than following a recipe. Here are some insider tips to elevate your dish:
Choose the right ground beef: An 80/20 blend offers enough fat to keep the stew juicy without becoming greasy.
Don’t rush browning: Let the beef develop a nice crust before stirring. This adds complexity to the stew’s flavor.
Use fresh herbs when possible: Fresh thyme or parsley brightens the stew and adds a vibrant aroma.
Thicken naturally: If your stew feels too watery, mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.
Avoid overcooking vegetables: Keep an eye on the carrots and potatoes to maintain texture. Overcooked veggies can become mushy and lose appeal.
Make ahead: Stew flavors deepen overnight. Prepare a day in advance for an even richer taste.
Variations of Ground Beef Stew
You can customize ground beef stew to suit your mood or pantry. Here are some tasty variations to try:
Spicy Ground Beef Stew: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne for a warming, slightly spicy kick. Top with sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream to balance heat.
Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and sauté the onions, then dump everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for effortless prep and tender results.
Root Vegetable Medley: Add parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes alongside or instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, earthier stew.
Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that still fills you up.
International Twist: Add soy sauce, ginger, and scallions for an Asian-inspired ground beef stew that’s both comforting and unique.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Stew
You want your meal to be as satisfying as possible. Here’s how you can elevate your serving game:
Serve with crusty bread or warm garlic toast to soak up every delicious drop.
Pair with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the stew’s richness.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese for extra flavor and color.
For a special touch, add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt—perfect if you’ve made a spicy version.
Consider using leftover stew as a filling for pot pies or topping for baked potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ground Beef Stew
What makes ground beef stew so delicious and hearty?
Ground beef’s natural fat content combined with slow-cooked vegetables and broth creates a rich, flavorful dish that satisfies both hunger and comfort cravings.
Can I use other types of beef in this stew?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for stew meat or chuck roast cut into cubes. Just adjust cooking time to ensure tenderness.
How long does ground beef stew keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, your stew will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is ground beef stew freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze cooled stew in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
How can I make ground beef stew thicker?
Try mashing some potatoes into the broth, or whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Ground Beef Stew
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef 80/20 for best flavor and juiciness
- 2 medium Potatoes diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 large Carrots sliced
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 3 Garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups Beef broth low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 1 stalk Celery stalk chopped (optional)
- 0.5 cup Frozen peas add during last 10 minutes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, celery (if using), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Add frozen peas during last 10 minutes of cooking (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.