If you’re craving a bowl of cozy comfort that’s brimming with tender veggies and savory flavor, look no further than this Ground Beef Stew Recipe. A hearty combination of seasoned ground beef, chunky potatoes, sweet carrots, and pops of bright green peas and beans all simmer together in a rich tomato broth. It’s a one-pot meal that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and your soul with warmth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a chilly night or looking for something that tastes even better as leftovers, this stew will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this Ground Beef Stew Recipe is that it uses honest, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one brings its own character, whether that’s bold flavor, deep color, or extra heartiness. Here’s what you’ll need to create this super-satisfying stew:

Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and softens all those wonderful aromatics.
Ground beef: The star ingredient, providing a rich and meaty base for the stew.
Onion: Adds vital sweetness and depth to the broth.
Garlic: Delivers irresistible aroma and flavor – don’t skimp!
Carrots: Bring sweetness, color, and a lovely bite to each spoonful.
Celery: Is essential for that classic stew flavor and a bit of crunch.
Potatoes: Thicken and bulk up the stew beautifully, making it hearty and satisfying.
Frozen peas: Tossed in at the end for a touch of sweetness and vibrant green color.
Green beans: Add texture and freshness with just the right amount of snap.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the base and deepens the stew’s color and richness.
Diced tomatoes: Give the broth its tangy, savory complexity and extra body.
Beef broth: The liquid backbone that ties everything together with meaty flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: A splash of this gives subtle umami notes that make the stew pop.
Dried thyme: A little earthiness balances all the hearty flavors.
Dried oregano: Adds another layer of seasoning that’s classic in hearty stews.
Bay leaf: Slowly infuses the whole pot with its trademark savory aroma.
Paprika: Offers gentle warmth and beautiful deep color.
Salt and black pepper: Taste as you go to achieve the perfect savory balance.
All-purpose flour mixed with water (optional): Whisked in for extra thickness if you love a chunky stew.
Fresh parsley: A bright and fresh finishing touch right before serving.

How to Make Ground Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start things off by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stew pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown nicely for extra flavor, and if there’s a lot of fat rendered, simply drain off the excess. This step lays the flavor foundation for your Ground Beef Stew Recipe.

Step 2: Soften Aromatics & Veggies

Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté everything together for about five minutes until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. This quick cook infuses the beef with that classic stew flavor and begins to build up a rich aroma.

Step 3: Add Tomato Base & Spices

Now it’s time for extra umami: stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for just a minute to deepen its flavor. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then bring the pot up to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer with Potatoes

Toss in the diced potatoes and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the whole stew bubble away for 25 to 30 minutes. The potatoes will turn silky-tender, soaking up those savory meat juices and giving your Ground Beef Stew Recipe its signature heartiness.

Step 5: Add Peas & Green Beans

When the potatoes are just about perfect, stir in your frozen peas and chopped green beans. Cook for another five minutes: you want the veggies bright green and just-cooked for ultimate color and freshness.

Step 6: Thicken (Optional)

If you love a chunky, thick stew, now’s your moment. Stir together the flour and water, then pour this slurry into the pot. Let it simmer an extra three or four minutes until your Ground Beef Stew Recipe is as thick and luscious as you like. Don’t forget to fish out and discard the bay leaf!

How to Serve Ground Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touch for your stew should always be a scatter of fresh, chopped parsley. Not only does it brighten up the flavors, but it also adds that pop of color that makes every bowl look inviting. A little sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a pinch of sea salt can be nice, too, if you like stronger flavor right at the table.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef Stew Recipe is pure comfort on its own, but it also plays beautifully with a slice of crusty bread, a piece of golden cornbread, or fluffy homemade biscuits. For extra coziness, serve it over a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or white rice to catch every last bit of the savory broth.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to impress, ladle your stew into rustic bread bowls, or top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese. Hosting a casual gathering? Serve the stew in mini mugs or small bowls for a hearty appetizer that lets everyone take a warm, welcoming bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep incredibly well, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch! Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors will deepen beautifully for up to four days, making tomorrow’s meal even more delicious.

Freezing

This Ground Beef Stew Recipe is the ultimate freezer hero. Portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. For the best texture, avoid overcooking the potatoes if you know you’ll be freezing extra portions.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your leftover stew, simply reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to loosen the consistency. You can microwave single servings, too—just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover to prevent splatters, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well in this stew. The end result will be a bit lighter but just as comforting. Just keep in mind you may want to add a drizzle more olive oil as the meat cooks since poultry is leaner than beef.

What can I do to make the stew gluten-free?

It’s easy: simply omit the flour or use a cornstarch slurry for thickening instead. Check that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free, and the Ground Beef Stew Recipe will be safe for most gluten-free diets.

How do I add more vegetables?

Feel free to get creative! Throw in corn, bell peppers, chopped spinach, or even cubed sweet potatoes. Stews are perfect for using up odds and ends from the veggie drawer—just be mindful of cooking times for heartier versus softer veggies.

Is this Ground Beef Stew Recipe spicy?

No, the stew as written is hearty and savory, not spicy at all. If you love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce during the simmering stage to wake up those taste buds!

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as described, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. Stir in the green beans and peas for the last 20 minutes so they stay nice and bright.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Ground Beef Stew Recipe enough—it’s a bowl full of comfort, nourishment, and rich homemade flavor that never fails to make dinner special. Give it a try this week, and don’t be surprised if your family starts asking for it again and again. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Ground Beef Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and comforting ground beef stew recipe that simmers to perfection, packed with tender beef, vegetables, and flavorful herbs. This stew is a satisfying meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Stew Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour mixed with 1/4 cup water (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook ground beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
Stir in seasonings: Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Cook potatoes: Add potatoes, cover, and simmer until tender.
Add peas and green beans: Stir in green beans and peas. Cook for additional 5 minutes.
Thicken stew: For a thicker stew, add flour-water slurry and simmer until thickened.
Serve: Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or add corn for extra sweetness.
It freezes well for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course, Stew
Method: Stovetop, Simmering
Cuisine: American