Comfort Food Classic: Old Fashioned Hamburger Stew Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, warming bowl of stew on a chilly day. And when it comes to classic comfort food, Old Fashioned Hamburger Stew reigns supreme. This recipe is a testament to simplicity, using readily available ingredients to create a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping. This isn’t just a stew; it’s a trip down memory lane, evoking feelings of cozy kitchens and the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences and what you have on hand. So, grab your Dutch oven or a large pot, and let’s get cooking!
## Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Stew
* **Simple and Affordable:** Uses budget-friendly ingredients that are likely already in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Hearty and Filling:** Packed with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables, ensuring a satisfying meal.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** A timeless recipe that brings back nostalgic memories.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, peeled and chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds, peeled and cubed (Russet or Yukon Gold work well)
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (28 ounce) can, undrained
* **Beef Broth:** 4 cups
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Bay Leaf:** 1
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Optional:** Frozen peas, corn, green beans, or other vegetables
* **Optional Garnish:** Fresh parsley, sour cream, or shredded cheese
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large Dutch oven or pot
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spoon or spatula for stirring
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make this delicious hamburger stew:
**1. Brown the Ground Beef:**
* Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in your Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
* Properly browning the ground beef is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor in the stew. Don’t overcrowd the pot; if necessary, brown the beef in batches to ensure even cooking. The browned bits at the bottom of the pot (fond) will add depth of flavor as the stew simmers.
**2. Sauté the Vegetables:**
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. The onions should be translucent, and the carrots and celery should be slightly tender.
* Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Sautéing the vegetables softens them and releases their natural sweetness, which contributes to the overall flavor of the stew.
**3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:**
* Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer.
* Adding the tomatoes and beef broth creates the base of the stew. The tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor, while the Worcestershire sauce provides a savory umami note. The thyme and bay leaf infuse the stew with aromatic herbs.
**4. Simmer the Stew:**
* Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
* After 1 hour, add the cubed potatoes to the stew. Continue simmering, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
* The simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to become tender. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful the stew will become. Adding the potatoes later prevents them from becoming mushy.
**5. Add Optional Vegetables (if using):**
* If you’re adding frozen peas, corn, or green beans, stir them in during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This will allow them to heat through without becoming overcooked.
* Adding vegetables like peas, corn or green beans adds extra nutrients and variety to the stew.
**6. Season and Serve:**
* Remove the bay leaf from the stew.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little salt can go a long way in enhancing the flavors.
* Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese, if desired.
## Tips for the Best Hamburger Stew
* **Use Quality Ground Beef:** Opt for an 80/20 blend of ground beef for the best flavor and texture. The higher fat content will add richness to the stew.
* **Don’t Skip the Browning:** Properly browning the ground beef is essential for developing a deep, savory flavor.
* **Sauté the Vegetables Well:** Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery softens them and releases their natural sweetness, adding to the overall flavor of the stew.
* **Simmer Low and Slow:** Simmering the stew over low heat for a longer period allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to become tender.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the stew is too thick, add more beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a while to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also mash some of the potatoes to thicken the stew.
* **Add a Splash of Red Wine (Optional):** For an even deeper flavor, add a splash of red wine (about 1/4 cup) when you add the beef broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
* **Spice it Up (Optional):** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Fresh Herbs (Optional):** If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, feel free to add them to the stew. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
* **Let it Rest:** Like many stews and soups, this hamburger stew tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together, resulting in a richer, more complex taste.
## Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Substitute the ground beef with lentils, beans, or plant-based ground beef alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Gluten-Free:** Ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free. Most brands are, but it’s always best to check the labels.
* **Different Vegetables:** Add or substitute your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
* **Different Meats:** Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even stew meat.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices and herbs, such as paprika, oregano, or bay leaf.
* **Creamy Hamburger Stew:** Add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamier texture.
* **Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the potatoes during the last 2 hours of cooking.
## Serving Suggestions
Old Fashioned Hamburger Stew is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
* **Cornbread:** A warm slice of cornbread is a classic pairing with hamburger stew.
* **Biscuits:** Fluffy biscuits are another great option for soaking up the gravy.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an extra hearty meal, serve the stew over mashed potatoes.
* **Rice:** Serve over a bed of white or brown rice.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover hamburger stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze leftover hamburger stew in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Reheating Instructions
* **Stovetop:** Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the stew in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
## Nutrition Information (Approximate)
(Based on one serving, without garnishes):
* Calories: Approximately 350-450
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g
*Note: Nutrition information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
Old Fashioned Hamburger Stew is a timeless classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a hearty dish to share with friends and family, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade goodness!
Enjoy this comforting bowl of Old Fashioned Hamburger Stew and create lasting memories with every spoonful. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. Feel free to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!