Easy Ground Beef Stew

The moment the pan hit the heat, the aroma of sizzling beef and fragrant garlic filled the kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around. As the stew began to bubble, visions of hearty, flavorful bites danced in my mind. This is comfort food at its finest—a meal that warms both the soul and the belly, wrapping you in a cozy embrace on a chilly evening. The combination of tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth creates a depth of flavor that will leave you coming back for more.

What makes this recipe shine

This stew isn’t just any ordinary dish; it’s a harmonious blend of simplicity and flavor. With minimal prep and a one-pot cooking method, it saves you time and energy while delivering a satisfying meal. Each ingredient plays a role, with the ground beef providing savory richness, while the veggies contribute a tender bite and subtle sweetness. It’s a dish that can adapt to what’s in your pantry or your personal taste. One reader described it perfectly:

"It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect after a long day!"

How this dish comes together

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforwardness. The idea is to sauté the onions and garlic until they’re nice and fragrant, then add in the ground beef until it’s perfectly browned. Next comes a colorful medley of veggies, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, creating a lovely symphony of flavors. You’ll know the pan is ready when the olive oil shimmers under the heat.

Now, let’s gather our ingredients and get started.

What you’ll need

To bring this cozy stew to life, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Feel free to opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter version. Don’t shy away from choosing organic vegetables for a richer flavor, too!

How to cook it

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it’s beautifully browned.
4. Once the beef is ready, stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.

Serving suggestions

When it comes to serving, a hearty bowl of beef stew deserves a bit of attention. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls—perfect for soaking up every last drop! A side salad can also balance the richness with its crispness.

Keeping leftovers fresh

The beauty of this stew goes beyond the dinner table; it stores beautifully for another day! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label it with the date, so you know when to use it!

To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

1. For extra flavor, consider browning the meat in batches; this will achieve a deeper brown crust.
2. If you want a thicker stew, use a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) to whisk in toward the end.
3. Don’t skip the seasoning—adjust to your taste as it cooks to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
4. Cooking time can vary depending on your stove, so check for tender vegetables—the perfect indicator that it’s ready.
5. If you want a touch of acidity, a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice enhances the overall flavor right before serving.

Ways to customize it

One of the best aspects of stew is its versatility! Try swapping out the vegetables with seasonal ones like squash in the fall or adding beans for more protein. For a touch of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile. If you’re a fan of herbs, experiment with rosemary or oregano in place of thyme for a different aromatic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this stew with ingredients I have on hand?
   Absolutely! This stew is quite forgiving. You can use other ground meats or throw in any vegetables you prefer or have in your fridge.

2. Can I prepare the stew ahead of time?
   Yes, this stew actually tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator.

3. How can I make this dish vegan?
   Substitute the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

This cozy ground beef stew is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something wholesome and delicious without all the fuss. Happy cooking!

Cozy Ground Beef Stew

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A hearty and comforting stew made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it’s browned.
4. Stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Author: alison
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg