This Ground Beef Stew is a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for feeding the family without breaking the bank. Packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings, this stew is comforting and satisfying, making it ideal for cold weather. It’s an easy-to-make dish that comes together in just under an hour, providing a warm and nourishing meal for everyone to enjoy.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 celery stalk, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a meatless version)

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp ground ancho chili powder

• 1 tsp oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 1–1 ½ lbs cubed potatoes

Directions

1. Cook the Beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. If adding potatoes, stir them in now. Bring to a boil.

4. Simmer the Stew: Reduce heat to low and let the stew simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add more seasoning if necessary.

5. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 325 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 22 g

• Protein: 27 g

• Total Fat: 18 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Sodium: 852 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Vitamin A: 4106 IU

• Vitamin C: 20 mg

• Calcium: 70 mg

• Iron: 3 mg

A Cozy, Hearty Meal

One of the standout features of this Ground Beef Stew is its ability to comfort and satisfy. The stew is full of nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, which not only add flavor but also provide essential vitamins and fiber. The ground beef gives the stew its protein content and a rich, meaty flavor that fills the stomach and keeps everyone full for hours. Whether served as a main dish for dinner or as a filling lunch, this stew is a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy.

Aromatic and Flavorful Seasonings

The seasoning blend in this Ground Beef Stew is what makes it truly special. Ground cumin and ancho chili powder lend a warm, smoky flavor that adds depth to the dish. The cumin, with its earthy undertones, infuses the stew with a comforting richness, while the ancho chili powder adds a mild heat and a touch of sweetness. Oregano rounds out the flavors with its herby, slightly peppery notes, creating a seasoning profile that’s both aromatic and complex.

This combination of spices provides the base for a stew that is flavorful without being overpowering, making it accessible to both children and adults. The addition of garlic further enhances the fragrance of the dish, creating a savory aroma that will have everyone eagerly anticipating the meal.

The Comfort of Fresh Vegetables

This stew is a great way to use fresh vegetables, which contribute not only to the flavor but also to the nutritional value of the dish. The carrots add a natural sweetness that balances out the savory beef and spices, while the celery brings a refreshing crunch and a subtle herbal flavor. Bell peppers provide a pop of color and sweetness, making the stew more visually appealing and adding extra vitamins.

For those who want to make the dish even heartier, adding potatoes is a great option. Potatoes help thicken the stew and make it more filling, while absorbing the rich broth and seasonings. Whether you choose to include potatoes or not, the vegetables in this stew ensure that each spoonful is packed with nutrients, making this a wholesome meal for the entire family.

A Simple, One-Pot Meal

One of the greatest advantages of this Ground Beef Stew is that it’s a one-pot meal. Everything is cooked in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The simplicity of the recipe is one of its strongest points; it doesn’t require complicated steps or fancy techniques, just basic cooking skills.

Cooking the beef first allows the ground meat to release its savory flavors, which are then absorbed by the vegetables when they’re sautéed. After adding the seasonings, broth, and tomatoes, the stew comes together quickly, and the simmering time allows the flavors to meld together into a deeply satisfying dish. The longer you let the stew cook, the more intense the flavors become, so it’s easy to customize based on how much time you have.

A Meal for All Ages

This Ground Beef Stew is an excellent choice for family meals, as it’s simple enough for kids to enjoy but still rich and flavorful for adults. The mild heat from the chili powder and the comforting flavors of the beef and vegetables make it a dish that everyone can appreciate. For those who are sensitive to spice, the chili powder can be adjusted to taste, or omitted entirely, making this a highly customizable dish that can suit any palate.

Additionally, this stew is a great option for meal prepping. You can make a large batch ahead of time and store leftovers for later in the week. The flavors often deepen and improve after sitting in the fridge for a day, so it’s a perfect dish to make in advance for busy days when you don’t feel like cooking.

Nutritional Benefits

This Ground Beef Stew is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet. The ground beef provides protein, which is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and immune function. Additionally, it offers a good source of iron, which is important for oxygen transport throughout the body.

The vegetables in the stew contribute essential vitamins and fiber. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which supports eye health, while bell peppers provide vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function. Celery and onions contain antioxidants that support overall health. The addition of tomatoes adds lycopene, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

The broth, whether beef or vegetable-based, helps keep the stew moist and flavorful while adding hydration. This is especially important in a hearty stew that needs a base to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Versatility and Customization

One of the best things about this Ground Beef Stew is how versatile it is. While the base recipe is hearty and satisfying on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences. For example, you can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder or even include other spices like smoked paprika for a different depth of flavor.

For those who prefer a meatless version, this stew can easily be made with lentils or plant-based protein instead of ground beef. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables, such as parsnips, peas, or green beans, for more variety and texture. The recipe is flexible enough to accommodate whatever you have on hand, making it a perfect dish for clearing out the vegetable drawer or using up leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Stew is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. A slice of crusty bread or a warm, fluffy roll makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the savory broth. For a lighter option, serve the stew with a crisp green salad to add freshness and balance to the meal.

If you want to make it even heartier, serve the stew over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. The stew’s rich flavors complement the starchiness of these sides, creating a well-rounded meal that will keep everyone satisfied.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Stew is a simple yet comforting dish that’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving a filling meal. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and offers a great balance of protein, vegetables, and spices. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or make it in advance for meal prep, this stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its versatility allows for customization, making it a dish that can be adapted to fit any dietary preferences or ingredient availability. With its hearty ingredients, rich broth, and aromatic spices, this Ground Beef Stew is a meal everyone can enjoy.