Ground Beef Stew Recipe

A delicious and hearty ground beef stew is perfect for a chilly day. This easy recipe combines ground beef, carrots, and potatoes. It’s a cozy twist on the traditional stew, offering rich flavor and warmth.

Imagine a warm bowl of ground beef stew ready in just 30 minutes. It’s ideal for a quick, comforting meal and is budget-friendly. Whether it’s a chilly day or you need a fast dinner, this stew is perfect.

A steaming pot of hearty ground beef stew, simmered to perfection with tender chunks of beef, diced carrots, onions, and potatoes in a rich, savory broth. The stew is illuminated by warm, natural lighting, casting a cozy glow over the scene. The camera angle is slightly elevated, allowing a clear view of the stew’s layers and textures. The background is blurred, keeping the focus on the enticing dish. The overall mood is inviting and comforting, perfectly capturing the essence of a homemade, 30-minute ground beef stew.

This recipe makes 16 servings and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. It takes about 30 minutes to simmer initially, then another 20 to 30 minutes to thicken. With simple ingredients and clever techniques, you can make a hearty stew that’s a household favorite.

Key Takeaways

• This easy ground beef stew recipe is ready in just 30 minutes
• The recipe yields 16 servings and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Ground beef with 80/20 fat content is recommended for optimal flavor enhancement
• The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated on the stove or in the microwave
• This hearty ground beef stew is perfect for a quick and comforting meal or a special occasion
• The recipe can be enhanced with seasonings like Italian spice blend or Worcestershire sauce

Essential Ingredients for Quick Ground Beef Stew

Making a tasty ground beef stew is all about the right ingredients. A slow cooker ground beef stew is perfect for a quick meal. Start with 80-85% lean ground beef for great flavor and texture.

You’ll also need some key veggies and aromatics. Onions, carrots, and potatoes are great choices. Don’t forget canned diced tomatoes and beef broth for extra flavor and convenience.

A comfort food ground beef stew is all about hearty ingredients. Feel free to add your favorites like celery, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. They add a rich flavor to the stew.

Prompt A close-up shot of a wooden table top, illuminated by soft, natural lighting. Prominently displayed in the foreground are the essential ingredients for a hearty ground beef stew: a pile of ground beef, diced onions, carrots, potatoes, and various herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. The middle ground features a steaming pot, hinting at the delicious stew to come. The background is slightly blurred, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for a comforting, homemade meal.

• 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2-3 medium potatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious ground beef stew. It’s perfect for a quick and comforting meal.

The Perfect Ground Beef Stew Base

A good ground beef stew base is the key to a tasty meal. Start with ground beef, onions, garlic, and paprika. This mix gives a rich flavor, just like a traditional stew. Using quality ingredients and the right cooking methods is crucial.

For your stew base, include ground beef, onions, garlic, and paprika. These add a deep flavor. You can also add carrots, potatoes, and green beans for more substance. Use 1-2 pounds of ground beef and 2-3 diced carrots and 1 onion for a hearty stew.

A hearty homemade ground beef stew simmering in a large pot, the rich, savory broth glistening in the warm light of the kitchen. Chunky potatoes, carrots, and onions mingle with the tender ground beef, creating a comforting, rustic scene. The steam rises lazily, hinting at the deep, earthy flavors beneath the surface. A simple wooden spoon rests nearby, ready to stir and serve this quintessential comfort food. The scene is captured in a soft, slightly hazy focus, emphasizing the inviting, homemade nature of the dish. A cozy, welcoming atmosphere pervades the frame, perfect for illustrating the “Perfect Ground Beef Stew Base” in an article about quick and easy hearty stew.

• Brown the ground beef in a pan for a rich flavor.
• Add the onions, garlic, and paprika and cook until the veggies are soft.
• Then, add carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Cook until the stew is hot and flavors are mixed.

By following these steps, you can make a delicious traditional ground beef stew. It’s perfect for a homemade meal.

Quick Cooking Methods and Techniques

Cooking a tasty one pot ground beef stew is easier than you think. An easy recipe can be followed with a few simple steps. First, browning the meat is key. It adds flavor and texture to the stew.

Browning the Meat Properly

Browning the meat is a crucial step. Heat some oil in a pan and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.

Adding Vegetables at the Right Time

Adding vegetables at the right time is important. Start with carrots and celery, then add potatoes and peas. This order helps the flavors meld together.

Thickening the Stew Quickly

Thickening the stew quickly is easy. Mix a little cornstarch or flour with water to make a slurry. Add it to the pot to thicken and enhance flavor.

Flavor Boosters and Variations

Making a tasty comfort food ground beef stew is all about adding flavor boosters. Try adding a handful of frozen peas for both taste and texture. Or, use beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

Customizing your stew is easy. Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra flavor. You can also add different veggies like carrots or potatoes for a unique taste. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Here are some variations to try:

• Adding a cup of frozen peas for added flavor and texture
• Using beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor
• Adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy taste
• Trying different vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, for a unique flavor profile

Experimenting with different ingredients can make your stew both delicious and unique. Whether you like a classic stew or something new, the most important thing is to have fun and be creative.

FAQ

Conclusion: Serving and Storing Your Homemade Beef Stew

Once your homemade ground beef stew is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! It goes well with many side dishes. Try it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Ladle the best ground beef stew into bowls. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme for a fancy touch.

For leftovers, cool the stew completely before putting it in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. This way, you have a comforting meal ready for a cold day.