Hamburger Stew

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion chopped

3 sticks celery chopped

4 cloves garlic minced

1 pound lean ground beef

3 tablespoons flour

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

4 cups beef broth + more if needed

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 Russet potatoes peeled & diced

4 medium carrots peeled & sliced

1 cup frozen peas optional

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

Add the oil, onion, and celery to a soup pot and sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 2:

Add the beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with your spoon as you go along, until it’s browned (about 8 minutes).

Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes (stirring often).

Stir in the tomato paste.

Step 3:

Add in the broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, potatoes, and carrots.

Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a rapid simmer and cook, covered (with the lid slightly open), stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes or until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the flavors have had some time to build.

Add more broth if the stew starts to get too thick, and if you want it thicker, cook it for longer with the lid off.

Step 4:

Stir in the frozen peas and season with salt & pepper as needed.

Notes:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe if you prefer a leaner option or have dietary restrictions.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed since these meats may cook faster than ground beef.

What can I use as a gluten-free alternative to flour to thicken the stew?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option to thicken the stew, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Mix a small amount of either with water to form a slurry and gradually add it to the stew while stirring until you reach your desired thickness.

Are there any suitable vegetarian or vegan alternatives for this stew?

To make a vegetarian version of this stew, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbles.

For a vegan option, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and ensure that the Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning are vegan-friendly or use suitable substitutes.

Can I make this stew in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, this stew can be made in advance and reheated. In fact, like many soups and stews, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and when reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth to reach your desired consistency.

What are some good serving suggestions for Hamburger Stew?

Hamburger stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Some people enjoy sprinkling grated cheese on top or adding a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or crockpot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or crockpot.

Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions, celery, and garlic as directed in a skillet.

Then transfer everything, including the browned beef, to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (except for the frozen peas).

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Add the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes to prevent them from overcooking.

What are some optional ingredients or seasonings I can add for extra flavor?

You can customize this stew to your taste by adding ingredients like diced tomatoes, green beans, corn kernels, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Adjust the seasonings as needed, and consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for additional depth of flavor.

Can I freeze Hamburger Stew for later use?

Yes, you can freeze hamburger stew for future meals.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.