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This hearty hamburger stew has become my go-to comfort food during the colder months. The rich combination of ground beef, vegetables, and savory broth creates a satisfying one-pot meal that my entire family requests repeatedly.
I first created this recipe when I needed to feed unexpected guests during a winter storm. What started as a pantry clean-out dish quickly became our family's most requested comfort food. Now I make a double batch almost weekly during fall and winter.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides rich protein and savory flavor try using 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor without excess grease
- Onions and garlic: Create the aromatic foundation look for firm onions with no soft spots
- Carrots and potatoes: Add hearty substance and natural sweetness choose firm carrots and waxy potatoes that hold their shape
- Coconut aminos or soy sauce: Adds depth of umami flavor without overpowering
- Dried herbs: Infuse flavor throughout cooking without the need for fresh herbs
- Petite diced tomatoes: Provide acidity and natural thickening choose fire-roasted for extra flavor
- Beef broth: Forms the savory base homemade provides best flavor but quality store-bought works well
- Cornstarch: Creates the perfect thickness without flour lumps
- Frozen peas: Add bright color and fresh flavor added at the end to maintain their vibrant green
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- Add oil to your pot over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Take your time here about 10 minutes to develop flavor. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. The fond caramelized bits formed on the bottom contain tremendous flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Introduce carrots, potatoes, and all seasonings except the cornstarch slurry and peas. This layering of ingredients allows the vegetables to absorb the meat flavors. Ensure everything is well mixed to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the stew.
- Cook Under Pressure or Simmer:
- For Instant Pot cook 8 minutes at high pressure. For stovetop simmer 30 minutes until vegetables are tender. For slow cooker cook 6-8 hours on low. The slow cooking methods allow flavors to meld beautifully while tenderizing the vegetables perfectly.
- Thicken the Stew:
- Create a slurry with cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl making sure there are no lumps. Stir this into the bubbling stew and cook for several minutes until the broth thickens to a silky consistency. The stew should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily.
- Finish with Peas:
- Add defrosted peas at the very end and stir just until heated through. This preserves their bright green color and prevents them from becoming mushy. The pop of color and freshness balances the richness of the stew.
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The secret ingredient that makes this stew extraordinary is the tablespoon of coconut aminos or soy sauce. This small addition provides a depth of umami flavor that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient might be. My grandmother taught me this trick years ago, and I've never made a stew without it since.
Perfect Freezer Meal
This hamburger stew freezes exceptionally well making it perfect for meal prep. After cooling completely, portion into freezer-safe containers leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave. The flavors actually deepen after freezing making it taste even better as leftovers.
Smart Substitutions
This recipe adapts beautifully to what you have on hand. No ground beef? Substitute ground turkey or even diced chuck roast cut into small pieces. Vegetable options are endless try adding mushrooms for more umami, bell peppers for sweetness, or green beans for texture. The broth can be beef, chicken, or even vegetable in a pinch. For a gluten-free thickener replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or simply let the stew reduce naturally.
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Serving Suggestions
Ladle this rich stew into deep bowls and serve with a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. For a complete meal add a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing to brighten the palate. My family loves it with a dollop of sour cream on top which adds creaminess that balances the savory flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with chuck roast, stew meat, or even ground turkey for a lighter option.
- → What vegetables can I add to this stew?
Feel free to include mushrooms, zucchini, green beans, or other vegetables to customize the flavor and texture.
- → How can I make this stew gluten-free?
Omit the cornstarch or replace it with arrowroot powder as a thickener for a gluten-free option.
- → How should I store the leftovers?
Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- → Can I prepare this stew in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the stew a day ahead and reheat it when needed. The flavors develop even more when stored overnight.
- → What can I serve with this stew?
This stew pairs well with crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.