Easy Ground Beef Stew

Name: Easy Ground Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups diced potatoes; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup chopped onions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

By:

Emily

December 17, 2025

Bowl of easy ground beef stew with vegetables and herbs

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Easy Ground Beef Stew

Dancing around your kitchen to the comforting aroma of something simmering on the stove is a moment that feels like home. That inviting smell often wafts from my favorite dish—ground beef stew. It warms the heart and nourishes the soul, reminding me of family gatherings filled with laughter and stories. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create magic.

When I think of ground beef stew, I fondly remember the joy of gathering with loved ones around the dinner table, each spoonful bringing smiles and warmth. With a few straightforward ingredients, this dish transforms into a hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend feast, ground beef stew always satisfies those cravings for comfort food.

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Creating this stew connects me with memories and moments, embracing the beauty of cooking. Using ingredients like tender beef, flavorful broth, and fresh vegetables, this dish showcases how delightful and uncomplicated cooking can be. Now, let’s dive into making an easy ground beef stew that can bring warmth and joy to your table.

Easy Ground Beef Stew Fundamentals

Understanding the Basics

Every dish has its foundation, and for ground beef stew, that happens to be tender beef and rich broth. Selecting the right cut of beef is crucial for depth of flavor. Ground beef, with its juicy texture, requires no complicated preparation but delivers outstanding results. Its simplicity allows it to soak in the flavors of the broth and mix beautifully with vegetables.

Cooked slowly, ground beef becomes incredibly tender, allowing the broth to infuse its richness. The blend of beef broth adds layers of flavor, enhancing every bite you take. This stew also offers a canvas for seasonal vegetables, ensuring it’s delightful any time of the year.

Setting Up Your Cooking Space

Before diving into the process, take a moment to prepare your cooking area. Gather all the necessary ingredients: ground beef, beef broth, diced potatoes, diced carrots, chopped onions, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Having everything on hand streamlines the cooking process and makes it enjoyable.

Select a large pot that will accommodate all your ingredients comfortably. A heavy-bottomed pot is recommended, as it distributes heat evenly. Keep your utensils ready: you’ll need a wooden spoon for stirring and a sharp knife for chopping the vegetables. With everything in place, you’re ready to create your scrumptious ground beef stew.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 cups beef broth
2 cups diced potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions turn translucent.
Introduce the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned.
Mix in the diced carrots and potatoes, followed by the beef broth.
Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.

Easy Ground Beef Stew

Mastering Stew Making Techniques

Cooking Techniques

Ground beef stew involves a simple yet essential technique: browning the meat. This step not only adds flavor but also creates a rich base that enhances the entire dish. Perfectly brown beef will caramelize the natural sugars, creating a depth of flavor that sets the tone for the stew.

Once you achieve that golden color, it’s crucial to deglaze the pot with the broth, scraping up any fond. This process captures all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, enriching your stew. Letting the stew simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks

To elevate your ground beef stew, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaves as it simmers. This addition can enhance the overall aroma and complexity of the flavors. If you want a thicker consistency, you can use a cornstarch slurry or reduce the stew uncovered for deeper flavor.

Don’t forget to taste along the way—seasoning to your preference guarantees a personalized touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish before serving adds a touch of color and freshness, making your dish more inviting.

Perfecting Ground Beef Stew Results

Achieving the Perfect Outcome

For the best results, ensure your ingredients are fresh. Fresh vegetables not only contribute to the flavor but also provide robust textures. Keeping everything uniform in size enhances the cooking process, ensuring all elements cook evenly and complement each other.

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Timing is also key. Stewing for at least 30 minutes is essential for the vegetables to soften while allowing the beef to tenderize fully. If you seek a play between flavors, letting the stew sit for a while after cooking enhances it. The flavors deepen and marry beautifully.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Should your stew turn out too salty, you have options. Adding a few sliced potatoes during cooking can draw out excess salt. If it appears too thin, simmer with the lid off for a while, allowing it to reduce to your desired consistency.

For an unexpected taste, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami kick. Be cautious, though; adjust gradually to avoid overpowering your dish.

Serving and Storing Ground Beef Stew

Presentation Tips

When serving ground beef stew, presentation matters. Use deep bowls to highlight the colorful ingredients. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can liven up the dish and create visual appeal, making it feel warm and inviting.

Pair it with crusty bread for dipping; the combination truly completes the experience. Alternatively, serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier meal that satisfies.

Pairing Options and Storage

Ground beef stew pairs well with side salads or steamed vegetables to add freshness. Storage is simple. Let any leftovers cool, then transfer to airtight containers. In the fridge, it can last up to three days, while freezing extends its shelf life for a few months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying again.

Enjoying a robust, inviting bowl of easy ground beef stew is a delightful way to cherish home-cooked meals. Its comforts remind us of family and the joy of cooking together, making every dinner a cherished moment around the table.

Easy Ground Beef Stew

Author: emily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting ground beef stew loaded with tender beef, vegetables, and flavorful broth, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
4 cups beef broth
2 cups diced potatoes
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions turn translucent.
Introduce the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned.
Mix in the diced carrots and potatoes, followed by the beef broth.
Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.