This hearty dish features juicy ground beef cooked with tender potatoes, creating a filling meal everyone will love. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any day!
I like to add some spices to make it extra tasty, but honestly, even plain it’s so good. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan wonder that saves on cleanup—who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef is great to reduce excess fat. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken can work well, too. Ground lamb also brings a lovely flavor twist!
Potatoes: I prefer russet potatoes for their fluffiness when cooked, but Yukon Gold or reds are nice too. If you’re avoiding carbs, try using cauliflower instead, which adds a similar texture.
Carrots: Standard orange carrots are perfect, but you can mix it up with baby carrots or even parsnips for a different taste. Sweet potatoes could also be a fun substitute, adding a hint of sweetness.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is best if you have time, but store-bought works just fine! For a vegetarian option, you can swap it with vegetable broth. Keep an eye on the salt levels with this swap.
Tomato Paste: This adds depth of flavor. If you don’t have tomato paste, you could use crushed tomatoes or even a bit of ketchup as a last-minute substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Stew is Well-Seasoned?
Seasoning can really elevate your stew! Start by salting your onions and garlic while they’re cooking. This helps draw out moisture and flavor. Remember, you can always add more salt later, but it’s tough to take it out. Here are some tips:
- Add the Worcestershire sauce with the broth to let its flavor blend in.
- Taste the stew before serving to check the seasoning; this step is key!
- Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chives or parsley – they add a burst of color and freshness!
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep work and around 35-40 minutes for cooking. So, in total, it will take you about 50 minutes to enjoy this delicious stew!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will give your stew a lovely base flavor!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked. If there’s extra fat, you can drain it at this point.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to stir in the diced carrots and potatoes, along with the tomato paste. Mix everything together so the veggies are well-coated with the tomato paste. This adds a nice richness to the stew!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour in the beef broth. Then, add the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Give it all a good stir to combine everything nicely.
5. Season and Simmer:
Now, season your stew with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. This will make the potatoes and carrots nice and tender.
6. Final Touches and Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. When you’re ready, ladle hot stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Stew!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat as a substitute. If using turkey or chicken, be sure to adjust the cooking time as they can cook faster than beef. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with added seasoning to maintain flavor. If using water, consider adding an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce to enhance the taste.
Can I Prepare This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! First, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the carrots, potatoes, broth, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the veggies are tender.
How Should I Store Leftover Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If the stew seems too thick when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
