Thick & Hearty Hamburger Stew – The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Dinner
When the weather cools and the evenings stretch longer, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of thick & hearty hamburger stew to warm your soul. This simple, down-home meal takes everything you love about a classic beef stew — the tender vegetables, the rich broth, the stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction — and makes it weeknight-easy with ground beef.
It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. One that fills your kitchen with savory aromas as it simmers, drawing everyone to the table before you’ve even called them. The humble ingredients — carrots, potatoes, onions, and a bit of beef — come together into something magical. And the best part? It’s all cooked in one pot, with no complicated steps or fancy equipment.
This stew has been a staple in cozy kitchens for decades. It’s budget-friendly, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest crowd. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this thick and hearty hamburger stew is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if beef is very lean)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add Broth and Veggies: Pour in the beef broth and add diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the stew thickens slightly.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with ¼ cup of cold water, then stir it into the stew and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add Peas and Finish: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 3–5 minutes more. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips & Tricks
- For Extra Flavor: Sear the ground beef in small batches to get more caramelization and depth.
- Make It Thicker: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water near the end, or simmer uncovered a bit longer.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in corn, green beans, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Boost the Broth: Replace a cup of beef broth with red wine for a richer flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Cheesy Hamburger Stew: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar just before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Slow Cooker Method: Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
Thick & Hearty Hamburger Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown ground beef in a large pot until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 35–40 minutes.
- Thicken with flour slurry if desired; add peas and cook 5 minutes more.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This stew is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Warm crusty bread or buttermilk biscuits for dipping.
- A side salad with vinaigrette for balance.
- Steamed green beans or roasted veggies for extra color.
- Mashed potatoes — yes, double potatoes! — for the ultimate comfort combo.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch — it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great — just add an extra splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce for a deeper flavor.
Can I add pasta or rice?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes or cooked rice can be added near the end of cooking to make it even heartier.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Skip the flour and use cornstarch to thicken the stew instead.
History / Fun Facts
Hamburger stew became popular in mid-20th century America as a thrifty, family-friendly adaptation of traditional beef stew. Instead of pricey cuts of meat, home cooks used ground beef — a postwar pantry staple — to stretch their budgets while still serving filling, flavorful meals.
It’s the kind of dish that connects generations. Grandmothers made it on cold nights, moms passed down the recipe, and now it lives on as one of the most reliable, comforting dinners around. Every spoonful carries nostalgia, warmth, and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest meals are the most memorable.
