If you’re looking for a hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Ground Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender vegetables, rich beefy flavor, and a savory tomato base, it’s comfort food done right. I’ve made this stew countless times for my family, and it never fails to fill the house with incredible aromas and happy appetites. Whether you’re a stew pro or a weeknight cook needing something simple and satisfying, this recipe is destined for your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Beef Stew Recipe keeps things delightfully fuss-free while delivering maximum flavor. Every ingredient has its role, whether adding depth, body, or a pop of color, creating the kind of stew you’ll be proud to call homemade.

Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for balanced flavor and juiciness—perfect for this recipe.
Olive oil: A swirl in the pot helps brown the meat and softens the veggies for extra richness.
Onion: Chopped onion ensures savory notes in every bite and forms the aromatic base.
Garlic: Minced garlic wakes everything up with earthy flavor and a mouthwatering aroma.
Carrots: Sliced carrots add color, subtle sweetness, and texture that holds up as the stew simmers.
Potatoes: Peeled and diced, potatoes become meltingly tender, soaking up all the flavors in the pot.
Celery: This classic stew veggie brings crunch at first and melds into the background, building that signature stew taste.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Canned tomatoes add brightness, tang, and a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
Beef broth: Use a good-quality broth—it’s the foundation of your stew’s savory, deep flavor.
Tomato paste: Just a couple tablespoons add concentrated tomato punch for extra depth.
Dried thyme: This herb offers gentle earthy notes that marry beautifully with beef.
Dried rosemary: Adds a piney, aromatic complexity that takes this stew to cozy new heights.
Bay leaf: Essential for that unmistakable “stew” flavor profile—just don’t forget to fish it out at the end!
Salt and black pepper: Season generously to lift all the flavors and make each spoonful pop.
Worcestershire sauce: A dash of umami magic that deepens the stew’s beefy character.
All-purpose flour (optional): Whisked with water, it quickly thickens your stew if you love a heartier texture.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled just before serving, it gives a fresh, herby lift and a hint of green.

How to Make Ground Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating up your olive oil in a sturdy, large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. You want the meat to develop little caramelized bits for maximum flavor. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them just until the onion is translucent and fragrant—about three minutes. This step builds depth and gives your Ground Beef Stew Recipe that irresistible homemade aroma.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Next, stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and celery. Cook these veggies for about five minutes. They start softening while absorbing the flavors left by the beef and aromatics, setting up the stew’s wholesome base.

Step 4: Simmer It All Together

Pour in the diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaf. Don’t forget the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce! Give everything a good stir, then bring the pot up to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew gently simmer for forty-five minutes. This is when the magic happens and every ingredient melds together.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you love a thicker Ground Beef Stew Recipe, simply whisk the all-purpose flour with a quarter cup of water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering pot. Let it cook uncovered for another ten minutes, stirring occasionally, until your stew is rich and velvety.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the vegetables are meltingly tender, remove the bay leaf and give your stew a final stir. Ladle into bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s ready to make even the dreariest day feel special!

How to Serve Ground Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way when serving Ground Beef Stew Recipe. Freshly chopped parsley is traditional, delivering a pop of color and an herby note that brightens the dish. You could also add a few turns of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to finish each bowl.

Side Dishes

This stew loves simple, cozy sides! Serve steaming bowls alongside crusty bread, fluffy dinner rolls, or even over steamed rice for a heartier meal. Buttery mashed potatoes or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also make wonderful companions, adding either more comfort or a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

While classic bowls are always a hit, try serving your Ground Beef Stew Recipe in small bread bowls for a fun, handheld dinner. Or ladle it into mugs for a fireside meal. For a family-style presentation, pour the finished stew into a large casserole and let everyone dig in with their favorite toppings on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Ground Beef Stew Recipe actually gets better as it sits! Allow the stew to cool, then transfer any leftovers to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days, keeping the flavor and texture just as delicious as the first serving.

Freezing

To freeze, let the stew cool completely. Pour into labeled freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot and bubbling. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw first for an even texture. Add a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both great substitutes if you’d like a lighter twist. You may want to add a little extra olive oil and bump up the seasonings, since these meats are leaner and milder.

How can I make this stew gluten-free?

Simply omit the flour or swap it for a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot. Mix your chosen thickener with cold water and stir it into the hot stew until you reach your desired consistency.

What other vegetables can I add?

One reason folks love this Ground Beef Stew Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to add peas, green beans, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes. Just toss in quick-cooking veggies (like peas or corn) during the last ten minutes so they don’t get mushy.

Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first for optimal flavor, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, stirring in the flour slurry near the end if you want it thicker.

Why does the stew taste better the next day?

Something magical happens as the stew sits—the flavors meld, mellow, and deepen. The beef, spices, and veggies have time to mingle, resulting in a richer, more harmonious dish when you serve leftovers. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a bowl the next day!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something hearty, nostalgic, and soul-satisfying, it’s time to try this Ground Beef Stew Recipe. It’s a breeze to prepare, comforting to eat, and exactly the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create something so memorable.

Ground Beef Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Ground Beef Stew recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Made with ground beef, a medley of vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this stew is flavorful and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Stew:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Vegetables:

3 medium carrots (sliced)
3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
2 stalks celery (sliced)

Sauce and Seasonings:

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Brown Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
Add Vegetables: Stir in carrots, potatoes, and celery, cook for 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
Thicken (Optional): Whisk flour with water, stir into the pot. Simmer for additional 10 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley before serving.