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When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a big pot of hamburger stew simmering away on the stove. Packed with ground beef, hearty potatoes, sweet carrots, and tender green beans, this cozy bowl of comfort is rich, filling, and layered with bold flavor in every bite.
If your family loves classic cold-weather recipes like my savory pork stew or family-favorite cowboy stew, this recipe will be right at home on your table. It also sits happily beside other hearty favorites like American goulash and my slow-simmered beef stew. These are the stick-to-your-ribs, gather-round-the-table kinds of meals we all crave when it’s cold outside.
Let’s make this stew!
Why This Recipe Works
- Hearty & Satisfying – A filling stew with plenty of vegetables and protein to feed hungry appetites.
- Bold, Layered Flavor – Tomato soup, Better Than Bouillon, and Worcestershire create a deep, savory base.
- Wholesome Comfort – A cozy, old-fashioned meal that’s budget-friendly and family-approved.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
✨ Before You Begin
✨ Browning Beef Matters – Don’t rush the sear! Let the beef brown in chunks for the best flavor base.
✨ Use the Drippings – Cooking the veggies in beef drippings makes every bite richer.
✨ Toast the Flour – Taking a minute to cook off the raw taste of flour creates a velvety stew base.
✨ Low & Slow – A gentle simmer over a couple hours melds the flavors and keeps the veggies tender.
✨ Fond = Flavor – Scrape up the browned bits from the pot when adding broth. That’s where the magic is.
Hamburger Stew Ingredients
(Your recipe card has the full list, but here are a few helpful notes:)
- Ground Beef – Use 80–85% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and richness.
- Beef Stock – I like using Swanson’s beef-flavored cooking stock—it’s easy to find and consistently delivers rich flavor. Epicurious also ranked it among the best commercial beef stocks available.
- Better Than Bouillon – Adds a concentrated depth of beefy flavor you won’t get from broth alone.
- Tomato Soup – A shortcut that makes the stew rich and velvety.
- Frozen Pearl Onions & Green Beans – Save time while still giving you that old-fashioned stew feel.
⭐ Pro Tips
- Brown in Batches – Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning ground beef. Giving it space means more caramelization and better flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Fond – Scrape up all those browned bits when you add liquid—they melt into the stew and make it rich and savory.
- Low and Slow Wins – Simmering gently for at least 2 hours keeps the veggies tender and the beef flavorful without turning mushy.
- Cut Veggies Evenly – Chop potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same pace.
- Next-Day Magic – This stew tastes even better the following day as the flavors deepen.
Variations + Additions
- Veggie Boost – Stir in corn, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Swap the Protein – Try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. Ground pork adds even more richness.
- Add Some Heat – A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce gives the stew a gentle kick.
- Make It Smoky – Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper, campfire-style flavor.
- Herb Twist – Fresh rosemary or parsley stirred in at the end brightens the stew.
- Cheesy Comfort – Top each bowl with shredded cheddar or Parmesan just before serving for extra indulgence.
- Bean Lover’s Stew – Stir in a can of drained kidney beans or cannellini beans to bulk it up even more.
How To Make Hamburger Stew (aka Poor Man’s Stew)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Hamburger Stew ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day. Just store in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Can I freeze Hamburger Stew?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Yes—just trim and cut into bite-sized pieces. Add them during the last 20 minutes of simmering so they don’t overcook.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don’t have condensed tomato soup, you can substitute with 1 cup of tomato sauce plus 1 teaspoon of sugar for a similar sweetness and body.
What to Serve With Hamburger Stew
Fresh & Crisp Sides
Balance the richness with a refreshing house salad or a bright cucumber tomato salad.
Cozy Breads
A basket of easy-peasy Bisquick biscuits, the absolute best, Jiffy cornbread recipe, or buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop.
Sweet Finishes
Round out the meal with a slice of Brown Sugar Pound Cake, rich + creamy butterscotch pie, or a warm, nostalgic peach cobbler.
Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead Tips
Storing
- Keep cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating
- Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Freezing
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead
- This stew is even better the next day—perfect for meal prep! Make it a day ahead and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors deepen.
Food Safety
- If you’d like more info on food safety, check out this link.
More Stew Recipes You’ll Love
Tried This Recipe?
If you made this Hamburger Stew, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Please take a moment to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a review below—it helps more families find this recipe.
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Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today — happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen
Hamburger Stew
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef stock
- 1 (10.75 -ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 heaping tablespoon beef flavor Better Than Bouillon
- 2 (14.5-ounces) cans stewed tomatoes, with juices
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups frozen green beans,
- 1 cup frozen pearl onions
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground chuck (2 pounds) into large chunks in the hot pan, and cook until evenly browned. Transfer cooked beef to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of drippings from the pot. If you do not have that amount remaining, add vegetable oil to make up the difference.
- Add the onion (1), garlic (3 cloves), and carrots (4) and saute, over medium heat, until soft, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour (3 tablespoons) over vegetables, stirring constantly, until the flour coats the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the flour. Remove skillet from heat.
- Add beef stock (3 cups), stewed tomatoes with their juices (2 (14.5-ounces) cans), tomato soup (1 (10.75 -ounce) can), Better Than Bouillon (1 heaping tablespoon), Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons), potatoes (3), Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon), thyme (1/4 teaspoon), bay leaf (1), salt (2 1/4 teaspoons), pepper (1 teaspoon), green beans (1 1/2 cups), pearl onions (1 cup), and browned beef; stir to blend then simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning. Ladle into individual bowls and serve.
Notes
- Brown in Batches – Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning ground beef. Giving it space means more caramelization and better flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Fond – Scrape up all those browned bits when you add liquid—they melt into the stew and make it rich and savory.
- Low and Slow Wins – Simmering gently for at least 2 hours keeps the veggies tender and the beef flavorful without turning mushy.
- Cut Veggies Evenly – Chop potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same pace.
- Next-Day Magic – This stew tastes even better the following day as the flavors deepen.
Nutrition
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This Hamburger Stew is Awesome!!! It is incredibly tasty as well as easy to throw together. I added some corn to ours. the entire family loved it!! Is especially great on a cold winter day!!!
Hey Brenda! So happy you and your family enjoyed this stew!
Fabulous! This is my new go-to for delicious hardy beef stew. No more expensive and potentially gristly stew meat! Used lean, organic ground beef from Aldi. Flavor is full of rich umami. Follow the directions exactly. PERFECT with plenty left over for another meal. This is a worthy contribution to a potluck or gift to a new mom.
I’m making this for dinner tonight but in the recipe there are no potatoes like in the picture so I’m just gunna add them!!!!
Hi, Michelle. This stew have 3 medium potatoes in the recipe. I hope you enjoyed this stew 🙂
How are the potatoes prepared? Chopped? Mashed?
Peeled and cut into cubes
This recipe is amazing! I didn’t have green beans so I swapped it for frozen peas. Delicious! Definitely going in the winter rotation! Thank you for sharing this with us!
I’m so happy you enjoyed this, Christa!
Do you cover the pot for the 2.5-hours? I would normally cover the stew during that long simmer, but now I’m wondering if covering it will result in a stew that doesn’t have the thicker consistency I’m looking for.
Hi, Susan. Cover it. Enjoy!
I am SO looking forward to making this! It’s perfect for that hamburger we have in the freezer!
I do want to make it in the slow cooker, but just wanted to confirm that the times were inadvertently switched. It said, “Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low 4-5 hours of High 8 hours.” I assume that the Low is eight hours and the High is 4-5 hours? (Likely obvious to most cooks, I know, but I’m timid when it comes to adjusting recipes.)
I made your AMAZING beer bread again last night! It’s our favorite, plus our neighbors love when I bring them a loaf. Cannot say enough about how awesome it is, and will definitely serve it with this stew!
Thank you for all your terrific recipes!
Hi Sonya. You are so right, I inverted those times. Ooops! So glad you like the beer bread to! I hope you find lots more recipes you enjoy on the site!
Oh, yes! Your site is amazing! In addition to great recipes, you talk us into and through them like a good friend would!
I made this stew the other night, and it was incredibly delicious! If this were offered at a restaurant, it would be a favorite order of mine — it’s that good! Just got butter so I can make the beer bread to go along with the leftovers tonight.
It is a perfect cold-weather meal that is highly satisfying. Thank you!
Hi, Sonya! That’s so amazing. Thank you so much for your positive feedback 🙂
As a novice cook, I started to worry the payoff would not equal the amount of steps and prep in this recipe. Boy was I wrong! This is one of the best hamburger stews I’ve ever had! Can’t believe I was able to make a stew with layers and layers of flavor like this. Glad I bought the better than bullion(just for this), I think it’s a wonderful ingredient. Thank you for this fantastic recipe.
Hi, Cookie! Wow, thank you so much. Yes, Better than Bouillon is the best. I’m glad you like this stew!
Made exactly how recipe states. Delicious!!!
Yaaay! Thanks, Patty 🙂
I don’t know what happened but the stew tasted very sour, I assume from the stewed tomatoes. I tried adding some honey to balance it out but it didn’t help much. It doesn’t look like your photos which looks like it’s in a nice brown gravy. Mine looks like it’s full of tomato sauce. I wish I had left them out. How can I salvage it? Thanks.
Hey Marianne. Wow that’s really weird! I often add a little granulated sugar when using canned tomatoes to balance their acidity, but in this recipe, it has canned tomato soup which has a good amount of sweetness. Sour? I’m wondering if you maybe got a weird onion, garlic, or beef broth? I can’t imagine what would cause sourness? I’m sorry Marianne, I’m truly stumped. Regarding, the thickening, maybe I simmered it at a slightly higher temp so it reduces the broth and thickens it? Also, I use russet potatoes which help thicken the stew slightly. I’m really sorry Marianne!
Thanks Kathleen. I don’t have a problem with the consistency of the broth. It’s nice and thick. I think it has to be the stewed tomatoes making it taste sour. I’m letting it sit in the refrigerator and I’ll give it a try tomorrow. It may have improved from sitting. I’ll let you know!
Thank you my friend! If it was too acidic I’d say add granulated sugar or sautéed minced or diced carrots. I’m truly so bummed out this wasn’t absolutely wonderful for you!!!
I’m having this for lunch right now and it did improve somewhat. I will definitely make this again because I love these kinds of soups. I will just either drain the tomatoes or use one can. And I will be sure use a better brand next time!
Oh I’m so happy it at least improved, Marianne!
Haven’t made this yet but looking at the numbers I noticed how high the sodium is in this recipe. Could it be the beef bouillon?
Hi, Charles. It’s the beef stock, condensed tomato soup, and stewed tomatoes. You can substitute a low sodium version for the said ingredients. Thank you!
Hi Charles. The Better Than Bouillon does contain a fair amount of salt. I believe it contains 700mg per serving. You can omit it but remember it adds a lot of beef flavor. You can also use low sodium beef stock, a low sodium condensed tomato soup, and omit the 2 1/4 teaspoons salt. Happy cooking!
Made this last night and received rave reviews from my husband. Great flavor and hearty stew!
Hi Jeanette! So glad you and Hubby enjoyed 🙂
Total comfort food indeed! This is mouthwatering…I love how loaded this stew is. Hearty and perfect for winter nights!
Thanks, Tammy! Hope you enjoy it! 😀
Our family enjoys stews and soup all winter and this one looks so substantial and filling! Yum!!
Totally! Hope you enjoy it, Vicky! 🙂
This was really good! Packed full of flavors! My family loved it!
Hi Toni. So happy to hear you and your fam loved it! It’s favorite in our house too <3
That is such an easy, comforting and quick dish. So packed with flavor.
Thanks, Roxana!
Soup looks delicious
Thank you, Cathy!
This one pot hamburger stew is such a helpful weeknight meal during the witner! I love that it is freezer friendly to!
I couldn’t agree more, Emily. Glad you think so too!