Hello, I’m Patricia, and I’m so glad you’ve found your way to Patricia Universe. Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite ways to turn a simple pound of ground beef into a feast that’s both comforting and impressively flavorful. If you’re looking for easy recipes with ground beef that go beyond the ordinary, you’re in the right place. This Persian Herb and Beef Stew is a perfect example of how a few fresh ingredients can transform humble ground beef into a rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying meal. It’s one of those easy recipes with ground beef that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Stew Is a Weeknight Hero
- The Magic of All Those Herbs
- Perfect for Busy Nights & Special Dinners
- It Makes the Most Amazing Leftovers
- Customize It to Your Taste
- More Than Just a Meal
- The Recipe: Persian Herb and Beef Stew with Rice
- Notes & Tips for Success
Key Takeaways
- Flavor-Packed & Unique: This stew transforms simple ground beef into a vibrant, herbaceous dish with warm Persian spices.
- Surprisingly Simple: While it looks impressive, the process is straightforward—brown the beef, simmer, and add the fresh herbs.
- Meal Prep Champion: The flavors deepen overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for fantastic lunches or quick dinners.
- Flexible & Forgiving: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand; substitutions for herbs and vegetables work beautifully.
- Comfort in a Bowl: Served over fluffy rice, it’s the ultimate hearty and comforting one-pot dinner.
Why This Stew Is a Weeknight Hero
We all have those nights when we need a dependable, delicious dinner without a lot of fuss. This stew is my go-to solution. It’s a prime example of how a simple ground beef dinner can be elevated with just a little extra care. The hands-on time is minimal—most of the work happens as the pot simmers away, filling your kitchen with an incredible aroma. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask, “What’s that amazing smell?” long before it hits the table.
The Magic of All Those Herbs
Don’t be intimidated by the volume of fresh herbs—that’s the soul of the dish! Parsley, cilantro, and chives (or scallions) cook down into a luxuriously thick and deeply flavorful green sauce that coats the savory ground beef. It’s a celebration of freshness that balances the richness perfectly. This method of using herbs is a fantastic way to create quick and easy recipes that are packed with nutrients and bright flavor, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or bland.
Perfect for Busy Nights & Special Dinners
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. On a hectic Tuesday, it’s a reliable, wholesome ground beef recipe for dinner that comes together in one pot. But on the weekend, when you have a bit more time or are expecting guests, it transforms into something truly special. Served with fluffy basmati rice, a dollop of cool yogurt, and some warm bread, it feels like a restaurant-quality meal you created in your own kitchen. It’s my secret weapon for both everyday nourishment and impromptu gatherings.
It Makes the Most Amazing Leftovers
If you think this stew is good on day one, just wait. Like many great braises and stews, the flavors marry and intensify overnight. Packing it for lunch feels like a treat, and having it ready in the fridge means a quick and easy dinner is literally minutes away on another busy evening. I often double the batch to ensure I have this flavorful treasure tucked away for the week ahead.
Customize It to Your Taste
One of the best things about easy ground beef dinner recipes is their adaptability. Don’t have split peas? Use lentils. Can’t find fresh fenugreek? A pinch of dried is fine, or you can skip it. The blend of herbs can be adjusted based on what’s available or what your family prefers. This recipe is a wonderful template—a guide to creating something delicious with the ingredients you love and have on hand.
More Than Just a Meal
For me, cooking this stew is more than just making dinner; it’s a moment of connection. It connects me to a rich culinary tradition, fills my home with comforting scents, and ultimately brings my people together around the table. That’s the real magic of food, and I hope this recipe brings a little of that magic to your kitchen, too.
Easy Recipes with Ground Beef: Persian Herb and Beef Stew
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 blend recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground saffron, dissolved in 2 tbsp hot water (optional but traditional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup dried yellow split peas, rinsed
- 2 large carrots, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups finely chopped fresh herbs (equal parts parsley, cilantro, and chives or scallions)
- 2 bunches fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 6 cups)
- Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (optional, for authentic flavor)
For the Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed until water runs clear
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
For Serving
- Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- Warmed pita bread or lavash
- Sliced radishes and fresh herbs
Instructions
For the Rice
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, water, salt, and butter or oil.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
For the Stew
- **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 8-10 minutes.
- **Brown the Beef:** Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- **Add Spices:** Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, saffron water (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- **Simmer with Broth and Split Peas:** Pour in the beef broth and add the rinsed split peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- **Add Vegetables:** Stir in the diced carrots and potatoes. Cover and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the vegetables and split peas are tender.
- **Incorporate Herbs:** Add the massive amount of chopped fresh herbs and the spinach to the pot. Stir well—the volume will seem huge but will wilt down significantly. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the herbs are very soft and integrated into the stew.
- **Final Seasoning:** Stir in the lime juice and dried fenugreek leaves (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. The stew should be thick, rich, and vibrant green.
To Serve
- Scoop a generous portion of the fluffy basmati rice onto each plate.
- Ladle the hot herb and beef stew over the rice.
- Serve immediately with a dollop of yogurt, warm bread, and fresh radishes on the side.
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