Hearty Ground Beef Potato & Vegetable Stew
Hearty Ground Beef Potato & Vegetable Stew
Description
A comforting and flavorful Ground Beef Potato & Vegetable Stew made with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, sweet peas, onions, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) lean ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add onion and garlic
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add tomato and seasonings
Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
4. Add potatoes, carrots, and broth
Add the potatoes and carrots, then pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together.
5. Simmer
Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
6. Add the peas
Stir in the green peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
7. Adjust the seasoning
Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
8. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Healthy Benefits
- Protein-rich: Ground beef provides protein, iron, and zinc.
- Vegetable-packed: Carrots and peas provide fiber and important vitamins.
- Potatoes: Provide potassium and carbohydrates for energy.
- Tomatoes: Add antioxidants and flavor.
- One-pot meal: Combines protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in one satisfying dish.
Pro Tips
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
- Cut the potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- For a thicker stew, mash a few potato pieces directly into the broth.
- Don’t overcook the peas; adding them near the end keeps them bright and tender.
- Let the stew rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.
Frequency
Enjoy this hearty stew 1–2 times per week as part of a balanced diet, ideally with extra vegetables or a fresh salad.
Q&A
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative and works very well.
Q: Can I use frozen peas?
Absolutely. Add them directly during the final few minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then combine the ingredients and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Q: Can I freeze this stew?
Yes. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to about 3 months.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, celery, green beans, corn, or zucchini are great additions.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Fresh green salad
- Crusty whole-grain bread
- Steamed vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Roasted green beans
- Fresh parsley
Variations
- Spicy Beef Stew: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Mediterranean Style: Add oregano, zucchini, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
- Extra Veggie: Add mushrooms, celery, bell peppers, and green beans.
- Ground Turkey Version: Replace beef with lean ground turkey.
- Creamy Stew: Stir in a small splash of cream at the end.
Related Recipe Ideas
- Old Fashioned Beef Stew
- Vegetable Beef Soup
- High-Protein Dutch Oven Beef Stew
- Slow Cooker Beef & Potatoes
- Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- Beef and Potato Casserole
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Potato & Vegetable Stew is a delicious, budget-friendly comfort meal. Tender potatoes, carrots, peas, and savory ground beef simmer together in a rich tomato broth for a warm and satisfying dinner the whole family can enjoy.
David Loa is a professional food writer and the creative mind behind this blog. He specializes in culinary reviews, authentic recipes, and menu insights that spotlight both popular eateries and hidden gems.
