Easy Skillet Ground Beef Stew

Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, this skillet ground beef stew is the perfect weeknight meal. Forget spending hours hovering over a pot; this recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional beef stew in a fraction of the time, using just one pan. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Wonder

Classic beef stew is a beloved comfort food, but the traditional method can be time-consuming. This skillet version offers several advantages:

• Quick and Easy: Using ground beef cuts down on cooking time significantly. No need to brown large chunks of beef for hours!
• One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is often more affordable than other cuts of beef suitable for stewing.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to use your favorite vegetables or pantry staples.
• Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and rich gravy creates a deeply satisfying and comforting meal.

This recipe is ideal for busy individuals, families looking for a quick and healthy dinner, or anyone who appreciates a delicious and easy-to-make meal.

The Ingredients: A Skillet Stew Symphony

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! Choose lean ground beef to minimize grease.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients form the base of the stew.
• Carrots and Celery: Classic stew vegetables that add sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work well. Peel and cube them into bite-sized pieces.
• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the stew.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the gravy.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that enhances the savory flavors.
• Dried Thyme and Bay Leaf: Essential herbs for a classic beef stew flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the gravy.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the ground beef.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Frozen Peas (Optional): Adds a touch of sweetness and color at the end.

Consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips for variation.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Here are some acceptable substitutions:

• Ground Beef: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
• Beef Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be substituted.
• Potatoes: Sweet potatoes can add a unique flavor twist.
• All-Purpose Flour: Cornstarch or tapioca starch can be used to thicken the gravy (mix with a little cold water before adding to the stew).
• Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute.

Step-by-Step: Skillet Stew Success

Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying skillet ground beef stew:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, add the potatoes, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.

5. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

6. Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a little cold water to form a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.

7. Add Peas (Optional): Stir in the frozen peas and cook for a few minutes until heated through.

8. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).

Tips for the Perfect Skillet Stew

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If your skillet is too small, brown the ground beef in batches.
• Use low-sodium broth: This allows you to control the saltiness of the stew.
• Adjust the thickness of the gravy: Add more flour slurry for a thicker gravy, or more broth for a thinner gravy.
• Don’t overcook the potatoes: They should be tender but not mushy.
• Taste and adjust seasonings: Always taste the stew before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This skillet ground beef stew is delicious as is, but there are many ways to customize it to your liking:

• Spicy Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno pepper for a spicy kick.
• Mushroom Lover’s Stew: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the other vegetables.
• Root Vegetable Stew: Use a mix of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips.
• Wine-Infused Stew: Add a splash of red wine to the skillet along with the beef broth for a richer flavor.

Serve this hearty stew with:

• Crusty Bread: For dipping into the delicious gravy.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting meal.
• Green Salad: For a light and refreshing side.
• Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits are a perfect accompaniment to stew.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This skillet ground beef stew is even better the next day!

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the stew ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
• Storage: Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs: Skillet Stew Success Solved

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?

A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Add them to the skillet towards the end of the cooking time, allowing them to heat through. Frozen mixed vegetables work well in this recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the gravy from being lumpy?

A: Make sure to whisk the flour and cold water together thoroughly to form a smooth slurry before adding it to the stew. Add the slurry gradually, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.

Q: Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed in the recipe. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?

A: While ground beef is the star of this quick stew, you could use cubed stew meat. You’ll need to increase the simmering time significantly to tenderize the meat – likely 1.5 to 2 hours.

Q: What can I add to make the stew taste better?

A: A bay leaf and thyme sprigs are great aromatics to add flavor depth. You can also add a splash of red wine vinegar, a tablespoon of brown sugar, or a dash of smoked paprika.