Ground bееf stеw feels like an old family hug . It’s the kind of dinner that people been passing down for years and servers up both flavor and warmth . Tender ground bееf mixed with colorful vеgetables and some spices makes a really tasty broth . On cold nights it’s perfect , because everyone can sit around the table and fill up on something simple but good .
Comfort food such as this stеw often brings back memories and makes us feel close to our family . It do more than just fill your stomach ; it help make little moments when people laugh and share stories . These kinds of dishes stick with you because they taste good and remind you of times when things were simpler .
In the paragraphs below , I’m going to talk about what ground bееf stеw really is and why it’s good for you . Then we’ll look at the main ingredients you need plus some optional ones to switch things up . I’ll share a step by step recipe so you can cook it yourself , and some tips for serving and changing it around . By the end you should feel ready to make this cozy meal at home .
What is Ground Beef Stew?
Ground bееf stеw is a simple dish that bring together browned meat and veggies in a tasty liquid . At its heart , it’s just ground meat simmered with carrots , potatoes , onions and seasonings . Because the meat is ground , it cooks quick and you get little bits of bееf in every bite . That mix of textures makes it easy to eat and keeps each spoon full interesting .
Unlike other kind of stеw that use big chunks of meat and need hours to get tender , this one only take a short time on the stove . You can make it faster on weeknights or late afternoons without rushing it . Plus , you can change up the taste easy by adding new spices or ingredients from all over the world .
Why Use Ground Beef?
There is a few big reasons to pick ground bееf for your stеw . First , it’s sold almost everywhere and usually cost less than big cuts of beef . It’s a cheap way to feed a group without emptying your wallet . Second , ground meat cooks really quick so you don’t have to wait hours like with big roasts .
From a nutrition point of view , ground bееf gives you a lot of protein to help your muscles grow and repair . It also has iron and vitamin B12 , both of which keep your energy up and help you feel less tired . If you toss in some more vеgetables you get fiber and vitamins that makes the dish even better for you .
Ingredients for Ground Beef Stew
Essential Ingredients
To make this stеw work , you’ll want these basic things :
- Ground beef: 1 pound of whatever lean-to-fat ratio you like .
- Vegetables: Carrots , potatoes , and onions are classic picks .
- Broth and seasoning: Good beef broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce add depth .
Optional Ingredients
If you want more flavor or texture , you can add things like :
- Herbs: Bay leaves or thyme , fresh or dried .
- Add-ons: Beans , peas , or even corn if you like .
Nutritional Information
This stеw can change a lot in calories and nutrients based on what you put in it . But usually one bowl gives :
- Calories: About 250–300 per serving , depending on ingredients .
- Protein: Around 20–25 grams .
- Fat: Depends on how lean your bееf is .
- Iron: Good for keeping energy up .
- Vitamins: You get B12 from meat and vitamins from veggies .
A Detailed Recipe for Ground Beef Stew
Ingredients List
Grab these things before you start :
- Ground beef: 1 lb
- Carrots: 2 , chopped
- Potatoes: 2 , diced
- Onion: 1 , chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced
- Beef broth: 4 cups
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Optional: herbs (bay leaf , thyme)
Directions
Preparation
Wash and chop all your veggies so they are bite sized . Measure the broth and sauce and put everything near the stove .
Cooking the Ground Beef
Heat oil in a big pot over medium heat . Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula . Cook until it’s brown all over , then drain off any extra fat .
Adding Vegetables
Stir in the onions and garlic and let them cook until the onions look clear . Then add carrots and potatoes and stir again .
Simmering the Stew
Pour in the broth and sauce . Add salt and pepper . Turn up the heat till it boils , then turn it down to a low simmer . Let it cook about 10 minutes so the flavors can mix .
Finishing Touches
Let it simmer until the veggies are soft , about 30–40 minutes . Taste it and add more salt or pepper if it needs it . Serve hot with herbs on top if you want .
Cooking Tips and Advice
Try these if you want to switch things up :
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat .
- Stir in a cornstarch slurry to make it thicker .
- Serve with bread or rice to soak up the juice .
Serving Suggestions
You can eat this stеw lots of ways :
- Ideal pairings: Bread , rice , or mashed potatoes .
- Storing: Cool then put in sealed container ; refrigerate up to 3 days .
- Reheating: Warm on the stove or in microwave .
- Garnishing: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cheese on top .
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this stеw has about :
- Calories: 250–300
- Protein: 20–25 grams
- Fat: Varies by beef type
- Vitamins: B12 and iron from meat , plus vitamins from veggies .
This mix makes a full meal that can give you energy and help your body .
Ground Beef Stew Variations
Traditional vs. Modern Recipes
Old recipes usually keep it simple with just meat and veggies . Newer ones can add beans , different spices , or flavors from other places .
Dietary Adjustments
Here’s how to make it fit different diets :
- Gluten-free: Use broth and sauce that are gluten-free .
- Low-carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower or rutabaga .
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use lentils or plant based meat and veggie broth .
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I use any type of ground meat?
Yeah , you can try ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter . Just watch the cooking time because some meats cook faster .
How do I thicken my beef stew?
You can mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir that in . Or sprinkle in some flour or mash a few veggies to make it thick naturally .
Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
Sure . Brown the meat first then put everything in the slow cooker . Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until veggies are soft .
What can I add to beef stew for flavor?
Try paprika , cumin , or Italian seasoning for more taste . A little red wine or balsamic vinegar also gives depth .
How long should I cook stew?
Usually let it simmer for 30–40 minutes , or longer if you like softer veggies . In a slow cooker , 6–8 hours on low works well .
Conclusion
Ground bееf stеw is a classic dish that brings people together and fills you up . It’s easy to change with your own ideas and always tastes good . So grab a pot and start cooking this cozy meal for your family .
Additional Resources
For more recipes and tips on warm meals , check out :
- How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- 10 Comfort Food Recipes to Warm Your Heart
- The Ultimate Guide to Soups and Stews
ground beef stew
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and green beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
