Hamburger Stew

Hearty Hamburger Stew with ground beef, vegetables, rice, and flavorful tomato-based broth. Easy homemade stew recipe for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep. Comforting beef stew with carrots, celery, potatoes, bell peppers, and peas. Protein-rich, filling, and packed with vegetables for a wholesome, one-pot meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ pounds 85% lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, undrained
• 5 cups low-sodium beef broth, divided
• 2 large carrots, sliced ½-inch thick
• 2 celery ribs, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 cup diced bell pepper (mix of green and red recommended)
• ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, onions, and garlic. Cook, stirring to break up the beef, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and cayenne. Stir in tomato paste until well combined.
3. Add the whole tomatoes, 4 cups of beef broth (reserve 1 cup for later), carrots, celery, potatoes, bell pepper, and rice.
4. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or until vegetables and rice are tender.
5. Uncover the stew and crush any large tomato pieces with a spoon. Stir in frozen peas and parsley. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the stew reaches your desired thickness. Add remaining broth if needed.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hamburger Stew is a hearty, comforting meal packed with vegetables, tender beef, and rice. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals, providing a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and flavor. The stew is easy to prepare and ideal for feeding a crowd.

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Tips

• Brown the beef well for deeper flavor.
• Crush the whole tomatoes to release more juices and create a thicker, rich base.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Swap long-grain white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition.
• Use different vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or corn based on what you have on hand.
• For gluten-free stew, ensure broth is gluten-free.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove before serving.

Q: Can this recipe be frozen?
A: Yes, freeze before adding rice or add cooked rice when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Q: Can I use diced canned tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes?
A: Yes, diced tomatoes work fine; the stew may be slightly less chunky.

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Serving

Serve hot in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to make a complete meal.

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Suggestions

• Add shredded cheese on top for extra richness.
• Include a side salad to make it a balanced dinner.
• Perfect for meal prep—store in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners.