Family-Friendly One-Pot Ground Beef Stew

Nothing beats a hearty, comforting stew on a chilly evening, especially when it’s easy to make and cleanup is a breeze. This family-friendly one-pot ground beef stew is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor, nutritious vegetables, and tender ground beef, all simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth. This recipe is easily adaptable to your family’s preferences and dietary needs, making it a weeknight dinner staple.

The Magic of One-Pot Cooking

One-pot meals are a lifesaver for busy families. The simplicity of cooking everything in a single pot not only minimizes dishwashing but also allows flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with more complicated recipes. This ground beef stew is a prime example of how easy and delicious one-pot cooking can be. It’s a great way to get a complete and balanced meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Ground Beef Works So Well

Ground beef is an economical and versatile protein source that’s perfect for stews. It cooks quickly and adds a rich, meaty flavor to the broth. When browned properly, ground beef also creates a delicious fond (the browned bits at the bottom of the pot), which adds even more depth and complexity to the stew. For a leaner option, use lean ground beef and drain off any excess fat after browning.

Vegetable Powerhouse

This stew is loaded with vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. Potatoes and carrots are classic stew vegetables that add heartiness and sweetness. Celery contributes a subtle savory flavor, while onions provide a foundational aromatic base. You can easily customize the vegetable mix to include your family’s favorites, such as peas, green beans, corn, or parsnips. Consider roasting the vegetables separately for an even more intense flavor before adding them to the stew.

A Broth That Binds It All Together

The broth is the heart of any good stew, and this recipe uses a combination of beef broth and tomato paste to create a rich and flavorful base. The tomato paste adds depth and umami, while the beef broth provides a savory foundation. You can enhance the broth even further by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even a dark beer for a more complex flavor profile. Remember to season the broth generously with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. Adding a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme during simmering can also subtly elevate the flavor.

Making the Best Ground Beef Stew: Step-by-Step

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the most delicious and comforting one-pot ground beef stew:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor.

3. Add the Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute or two to deepen the flavor. Then, sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. The flour helps to thicken the stew.

4. Pour in the Broth and Add Potatoes: Gradually pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the diced potatoes and bring to a simmer.

5. Season and Simmer: Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Cover the pot and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

6. Add Additional Vegetables (Optional): If adding other vegetables like peas or green beans, stir them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

7. Adjust Consistency: If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Crusty bread or warm biscuits are the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the delicious broth.

Tips for Perfect Stew Every Time

• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Brown the ground beef in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly and doesn’t steam.
• Deglaze the pot: Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot after browning the meat and vegetables is essential for adding flavor to the broth.
• Simmer low and slow: Simmering the stew over low heat allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the stew throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables to customize the stew to your liking.
• Make ahead: Stews often taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Variations and Adaptations for Every Palate

One of the best things about this ground beef stew is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.

Vegetarian Option

To make this stew vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, lentils, or beans, to provide protein and heartiness. You can also add a vegetarian beef substitute for a more meaty flavor.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

To make this stew gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to thicken the stew. Ensure that your beef broth is also gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Variations

This stew is naturally dairy-free. However, if you’re serving it with a garnish like sour cream, be sure to use a dairy-free alternative.

Spice It Up

For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a flavorful kick.

Adding Extra Flavor

• Wine: Add a splash of red wine to the stew after sautéing the vegetables for a deeper flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce the alcohol.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs can add a lot of flavor to the stew. Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and parsley are all good choices.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika, cumin, or coriander, to add complexity to the flavor profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tablespoon or two of Worcestershire sauce can add a savory umami flavor to the stew.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Options

This ground beef stew is a complete meal in itself, but it can also be served with a variety of accompaniments.

Bread

Crusty bread, warm biscuits, or cornbread are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

Salad

A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple rice pilaf are all great side dishes to serve with this stew.

Toppings

Garnish the stew with fresh parsley, chopped chives, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Wine Pairing

A medium-bodied red wine, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir, pairs well with this ground beef stew. The wine’s fruity notes and earthy undertones complement the savory flavors of the stew.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This ground beef stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing Instructions

This stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making ground beef stew:

What’s the best cut of ground beef to use for stew?

While leaner ground beef works, ground chuck (80/20) is a great option because it has enough fat to add flavor without being overly greasy. Remember to drain off excess fat after browning.

Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas, green beans, corn, mushrooms, or turnips.

How do I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?

You can thicken the stew with a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) or a roux (equal parts butter and flour cooked together).

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day!

What can I serve with ground beef stew?

Crusty bread, warm biscuits, cornbread, a simple green salad, or mashed potatoes are all great options.