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Wholesome Hamburger Stew

A heartwarming and customizable stew that combines ground beef with colorful vegetables and savory broth, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Stew Base
  • 1 tbsp olive oil A good quality olive oil will give this stew a rich, deep flavor.
  • 1 large onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces Sweet onions work best for a more delicate taste.
  • 3 sticks celery, chopped Offers a lovely crunch and aromatic base.
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic essence!
  • 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or try ground turkey for a lighter twist.
  • 4 tbsp flour This helps to thicken our stewing mixture.
  • 6 oz tomato paste Adds acidity and rich flavor; feel free to swap with canned tomatoes if needed.
  • 4.5 cups beef broth Homemade broth will enhance flavors, but store-bought works in a pinch.
  • 1.5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce This brings that umami, savory kick that’s hard to resist.
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning Feel free to use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an elevated taste.
  • 1 leaf bay leaf A key ingredient for depth; just make sure to remove it before serving!
Vegetables
  • 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks They’ll absorb flavor while adding heartiness.
  • 4 carrots sliced Their natural sweetness balances the stew.
  • 1 cup peas You can use frozen peas for convenience; they add a lovely color!
Seasoning
  • to taste salt Always adjust to fit your palate.
  • to taste pepper Always adjust to fit your palate.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook for 7-8 minutes until it's browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
  4. Sprinkle 4 tbsp of flour over the mixture and stir for 1-2 minutes to thicken.
  5. Stir in 6 oz of tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  6. Pour in 4.5 cups of beef broth, add 1.5 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Add potatoes and carrots, making sure they are submerged. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Stir in 1 cup of peas and season with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, finish the stew with a splash of lemon juice before serving. This stew can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.