I’m so excited to share my all-time favorite comfort food with you: Sizzling Good Hamburger Stew! It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Picture it: a cozy evening, a big bowl of hearty stew, maybe a slice of crusty bread, and the satisfaction of knowing you have a delicious meal ready for yourself or your loved ones. This stew is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl!
I remember the first time I made this stew for my family. I had just moved into a new place, and my kitchen was bare except for a few basic ingredients. My mom had sent me an old family recipe, and as soon as I tasted it, I knew I’d stumbled onto something special. Fast forward to today, and it’s become a staple in my home, especially when the weather gets chilly. Let me walk you through how to create this delightful dish!
What’s in Sizzling Good Hamburger Stew?
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show, providing protein and that rich meaty flavor we all love. I typically go for lean ground beef to keep it healthier without sacrificing taste.
Onion: Diced onions add a sweet and savory base to the stew. They caramelize beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Carrots: These vibrant orange beauties bring sweetness and color. Plus, they add a lovely bite to the stew.
Potatoes: I usually go with Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth and make the stew hearty and filling.
Frozen Peas: Quick and easy! They add a pop of color and a slight sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic, right? It adds depth and a wonderful aroma.
Beef Broth: This is the base of our stew, providing all that savory goodness. Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine, too—just look for low-sodium options if you can!
Tomato Paste: This gives a rich color and a burst of flavor. It also helps thicken the stew slightly.
Worcestershire Sauce: A few drops of this magic potion elevate the flavor, adding complexity that’s hard to define.
Dried Thyme: A classic herb for stews! It pairs perfectly with beef and adds an aromatic touch.
Paprika: This adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful color. I love using smoked paprika for that extra layer of flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning! Always taste before serving to get the flavors just right.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and beef, enhancing the overall taste.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of this at the end adds a nice freshness and it’s pretty, too!
Is Sizzling Good Hamburger Stew Good for You?
Absolutely! This stew packs a nutritious punch.
Ground Beef: It’s a good source of protein and iron, essential for energy and muscle health. Just be mindful of fat content—lean varieties are a healthier choice.
Vegetables: The carrots, potatoes, and peas are packed with vitamins and minerals. Carrots are particularly high in beta-carotene, good for your eyesight, while potatoes provide potassium.
While this stew is hearty and filling, keep in mind that it can be high in sodium if you’re not using low-sodium broth or seasoning liberally. Feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs!
Ingredients for Sizzling Good Hamburger Stew
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
(Serves 4-6)
How to Make Sizzling Good Hamburger Stew?
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, drain it.
3. Stir in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and frozen peas. Cook for about 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften a bit.
4. Pour in the beef broth, add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Stir it all together until well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
6. Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you’d like!
Hearty Tips for Your Hamburger Stew
– This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. Seriously, you haven’t lived until you’ve slathered a piece of bread in this delicious broth!
– Feel free to customize this recipe! Throw in corn, bell peppers, or even green beans—whatever you have on hand or want to use up.
– If you’re looking for a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
I can’t wait for you to try this Sizzling Good Hamburger Stew! It’s the perfect meal to bring warmth and comfort to your table. I promise it will become a beloved recipe in your home, just as it has in mine. Please let me know how it turns out, and happy cooking!