EASY HAMBURGER STEW

Easy Hamburger Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. This stew is packed with ground beef, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, making it both nutritious and flavorful. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe to create this delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into small cubes
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2/3 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Cook Beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

1. Add Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Vegetables

1. Add Herbs:
   • Stir in the dried oregano, dried parsley, crushed rosemary, and dried thyme leaves. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
2. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

1. Add Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the can of fire-roasted tomatoes, including the juice. Stir to combine.
2. Add Broth and Tomato Paste:
   • Add the low-sodium beef broth and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to mix the tomato paste into the liquid.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

1. Bring to a Boil:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Add Peas and Season

1. Add Peas:
   • Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the peas are heated through.
2. Season:
   • Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

1. Ladle and Garnish:
   • Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve Hot:
   • Serve the Easy Hamburger Stew hot, accompanied by crusty bread or crackers.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Ground Beef: For a leaner stew, use ground beef with a lower fat content.
• Potato Choice: Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well in soups and stews, but you can use russet or red potatoes if preferred.
• Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Variations

Spicy Hamburger Stew

• Add Heat:
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Vegetarian Hamburger Stew

• Substitute Beef:
  • Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Extra Vegetables

• Add Veggies:
  • Stir in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Serving Suggestions

With Bread

• Crusty Bread:
  • Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.

With Rice

• Over Rice:
  • Serve the stew over a bed of cooked rice for a heartier meal.

With Salad

• Side Salad:
  • Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time? A: Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this stew? A: Yes, you can freeze the stew. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Substitute the canned tomatoes with 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.

Q: What if I don’t have beef broth? A: You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Easy Hamburger Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe with your loved ones!