Hearty Hamburger Stew with Rich Brown Gravy: A Comfort Food Classic

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of stew on a chilly evening. And this hamburger stew, simmered in a rich, savory brown gravy, takes classic comfort food to the next level. It’s packed with tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavorful gravy that will have you craving seconds. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it’s even better the next day, as the flavors meld and deepen.

## Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Stew

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple, using pantry staples and straightforward cooking techniques.
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of browned ground beef, tender vegetables, and rich brown gravy creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a great base that you can adapt to your own tastes and preferences. Feel free to add different vegetables, herbs, or spices.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef and root vegetables are relatively inexpensive, making this a great option for a budget-conscious meal.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Hamburger stew is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ground Beef:** 1.5 – 2 pounds of ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 blend recommended for flavor).
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Carrots:** 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped.
* **Celery:** 3 stalks celery, chopped.
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed.
* **Beef Broth:** 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred).
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional).
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Frozen peas, corn, green beans, mushrooms, turnips, parsnips, or diced tomatoes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and comforting hamburger stew with rich brown gravy:

### Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper.

### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the ground beef.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

### Step 3: Make the Brown Gravy

1. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the ground beef and vegetables.
2. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is incorporated and slightly browned. This will help to thicken the gravy.
3. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.

### Step 4: Simmer the Stew

1. Add the cubed potatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary (if using), and bay leaf to the pot.
2. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the gravy has thickened.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

### Step 5: Add Optional Vegetables (if using)

1. If you’re adding any optional vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or green beans, stir them in during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

### Step 6: Season and Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf from the stew.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed.
3. Serve the hamburger stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use High-Quality Ground Beef:** The quality of your ground beef will significantly impact the flavor of the stew. Choose a good quality ground beef with a decent amount of fat (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Skip the Browning Step:** Browning the ground beef and vegetables is essential for developing a rich, complex flavor in the stew. Don’t rush this step.
* **Deglaze the Pot:** After browning the ground beef, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine or beer to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add even more flavor to the stew.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, marjoram, or savory, to customize the flavor of the stew.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions, carrots, and celery for a richer, earthier flavor.
* **Use Different Potatoes:** Russet potatoes will make the stew thicker, while Yukon Gold potatoes will hold their shape better. Red potatoes are also a good option.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Instant Pot Option:** You can also make this stew in an Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Add the vegetables and sauté for a few minutes. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
* **Thicken the Stew:** If the stew is not thick enough, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period of time, or by stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Also, make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
* **Add Wine:** Adding a cup of red wine after sautéing the vegetables gives the stew depth. Let it reduce by half before adding the broth.

## Serving Suggestions

Hamburger stew is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with:

* Crusty bread for dipping
* Cornbread
* A side salad
* Mashed potatoes
* Rice

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover hamburger stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the stew in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?**

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Keep in mind that ground turkey is leaner than ground beef, so you may need to add a little extra olive oil to the pot when browning it.

**Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this recipe. Add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

**Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time?**

A: Yes, this stew is even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

**Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?**

A: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which hold their shape better than Russet potatoes. Also, avoid overcooking the stew.

**Q: My stew is too watery. How can I thicken it?**

A: You can thicken the stew by simmering it uncovered for a longer period of time, or by stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

**Q: Can I add beer to this stew?**

A: Yes! Adding a dark beer, such as a stout or porter, after sautéing the vegetables will add a deep, rich flavor to the stew. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly before adding the beef broth.

## Conclusion

This hearty hamburger stew with rich brown gravy is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, it’s a recipe that anyone can master. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of homemade goodness!