Looking for a dinner that’s warm, filling, and made for chilly nights or busy weekdays? This Hearty Ground Beef & Vegetable Stew is the comfort food your table’s been craving. Tender chunks of potato, sweet carrots, crisp green beans, and savory ground beef simmer together in a seasoned broth that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing.
It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as practical as it is delicious—made with everyday ingredients, but packed with nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re serving this on a cold winter evening or batch-prepping meals for the week, this stew delivers.
Let’s break down what makes this meal so dependable, how to prep it step-by-step, and how to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ground beef stew is classic, simple, and endlessly cozy. Here’s why it belongs in your regular dinner rotation:
🍲 One-Pot Simplicity – Easy cleanup and everything cooks together in one pot.
🍲 Wholesome & Filling – Veggies, protein, and flavor-packed broth in every spoonful.
🍲 Family-Friendly – Comforting ingredients that even picky eaters will love.
🍲 Great for Leftovers – Even better the next day—and freezer-friendly too.
🍲 Budget Smart – Uses affordable, everyday pantry and freezer staples.
Prep & Cook Time
Perfect for weeknights or lazy Sunday meal preps:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
It’s a meal that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, cubed
- 3 large carrots, thickly sliced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup cut green beans
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional thickener: 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep the broth clean.
2. Season the Base
Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Add the Veggies
Toss in cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer Until Tender
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
5. Finish with Greens
Stir in the frozen corn and green beans. Let the stew simmer uncovered for another 5–7 minutes.
6. Optional Thickening
If you want a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the pot. Let it bubble gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Taste & Serve
Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Ladle into bowls and enjoy it piping hot with crusty bread or warm biscuits.
How to Serve It
✨ Rustic Dinner Bowl – Pair with a slice of buttered bread or a warm roll.
✨ With Rice – Spoon the stew over fluffy rice for extra heartiness.
✨ In a Bread Bowl – Pour it into a hollowed sourdough round for fun presentation.
✨ Meal Prep Ready – Divide into containers for the week—it reheats beautifully.
Helpful Tips
💡 Use a Heavy Pot – A Dutch oven helps the flavors develop without burning.
💡 Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste – It adds a rich depth to the broth.
💡 Cut Evenly – Uniform vegetable pieces help everything cook evenly.
💡 Taste as You Go – Adjust salt and herbs toward the end based on your broth.
Recipe Variations
🥔 Swap the Potatoes – Use sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a sweeter twist.
🌱 Go Herbaceous – Add a bay leaf, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for depth.
🫘 Add Beans – Stir in canned white beans or kidney beans for extra fiber.
🔥 Spice It Up – A pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika adds a nice kick.
🧄 Garlic Lovers – Add minced fresh garlic along with the onion for bolder flavor.
Storage & Freezing
📦 Store Leftovers – Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freeze for Later – Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
🔥 Reheat Gently – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Can I use fresh green beans and corn?
Absolutely—just add them earlier to give them time to soften.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Of course! Ground turkey works just as well if you prefer a leaner option.
How can I thicken the stew without cornstarch?
Mash a few potato chunks into the broth, or use a flour slurry (1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp water).
Final Thoughts
🥣 This Hearty Ground Beef & Vegetable Stew is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rich, comforting, and just simple enough to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding a family, stocking your fridge, or just craving something cozy—you can’t go wrong.
So grab a spoon, simmer a pot, and make space for leftovers. This stew is one you’ll come back to all season long. 💛