If you are searching for a cozy, satisfying dish that warms the soul and fills the home with an irresistible aroma, this Ground Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining hearty ground beef with vibrant vegetables and a rich, savory broth, this recipe is a perfect meal for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Its robust flavors and comforting texture make it a true weeknight winner, yet it’s simple enough to prepare that you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Stew Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor without overwhelming complexity. From the tender red potatoes to the aromatic herbs, every component brings a special touch to the final dish.
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner): Provides the hearty, meaty base you crave with just the right fat content for flavor and juiciness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the stew.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth for balance.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Gives a fragrant, savory depth to the broth.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Offers a subtle sweetness and richness that deepens the stew’s color and taste.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together with a rich, meaty essence.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Brings a slight tang and umami complexity.
- 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks: Provide a creamy texture that holds up beautifully during simmering.
- 1 medium white onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch.
- 4 medium carrots, sliced: Bring bright color and natural sweetness.
- 4 medium celery ribs, sliced: Introduce a mild bitterness and crunchy contrast.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings that classic, warm Mediterranean flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Lightly brightens the stew with its gentle earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Adds an unexpected warm spice note.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch for thickening.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the stew to a luscious, hearty consistency.
How to Make Ground Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef seasoned with salt and black pepper. Breaking up the meat as it cooks allows everything to brown evenly, which builds a deep, savory foundation. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, roughly 10 minutes, and drain any excess fat if needed to keep the stew from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Next, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cooking these together for 1-2 minutes releases their rich flavors and aromas, making your stew incredibly fragrant and starting the deepening of the stew’s taste profile.
Step 3: Add Broth and Worcestershire Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. These bits are little flavor bombs that add a wonderful depth to your stew’s broth.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Spices
It’s time for the wholesome veggies and spice magic. Add the chopped potatoes, onion, carrots, and celery along with the sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and ground allspice. Stir everything well so that the seasoning infuses the entire mixture.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
Bring the stew up to a boil over high heat, then reduce it to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking softens the vegetables and allows every flavor to mingle beautifully.
Step 6: Thicken the Stew
To achieve that perfect, hearty stew consistency, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour this into the stew while stirring. Let it cook on low heat for a few more minutes until the stew has thickened and coats the back of your spoon.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it piping hot, and watch how quickly everyone digs in!
How to Serve Ground Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few crumbles of sharp cheddar on top adds a lovely pop of color and an extra layer of flavor to the stew. A dollop of sour cream also works wonderfully if you want a creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread for soaking up the rich broth, or a light green salad for freshness. Mashed potatoes or a simple buttered rice also complement the dish well, rounding out the meal with additional texture and heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stew in rustic bowls for a homey vibe or ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress guests. Adding a twist like a swirl of pesto on top can elevate the dish with fresh, bright notes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stew keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better.
Freezing
If you want to make this Ground Beef Stew Recipe ahead of time for busy days, it freezes very well. Cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will stay good for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever you need a comforting meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to heat evenly. If the stew thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! While this Ground Beef Stew Recipe is designed for ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground lamb for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.
Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The blend of spices and vegetables will still provide a rich, satisfying meal.
How can I make the stew thicker without cornstarch?
Instead of cornstarch, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the stew to naturally thicken it, or use flour mixed with a bit of cold water as a thickening agent.
Can I prepare this stew in a slow cooker?
You certainly can! Brown the beef and sauté the garlic and tomato paste on the stove first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
What are some spice variations I can try?
Feel free to experiment by adding a bay leaf during simmering, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also pair beautifully with this stew.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Stew Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather, share, and savor the simple joys of good food made from scratch. Its hearty ingredients and rich flavors make it a timeless favorite you’ll love to come back to, especially when you want something warm and nourishing. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
Print
Ground Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful ground beef stew packed with tender vegetables and a rich, savory broth thickened to perfection. This comforting dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Liquids
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 medium celery ribs, sliced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Thickening Agent
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid a greasy stew.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant, which helps build depth of flavor.
- Add Broth and Worcestershire Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these add rich flavor to the stew.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the diced red potatoes, diced white onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Stir in the granulated sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, paprika, and ground allspice to season the stew.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Thicken the Stew: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into cold water until fully dissolved. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering stew while stirring continuously. Cook on low heat for a few more minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the stew and add additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the stew hot, making for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and fattiness, but leaner beef can be used if preferred.
- Drain excess fat after browning to prevent the stew from becoming greasy.
- Adjust the thickness of the stew by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry added.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking for variation.
