Hearty and Easy Ground Beef Stew Recipe for a Cozy Dinner

Table of Contents

• Welcome to the Ultimate Family Dinner
• Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Recipe
• Perfect for a Quick and Easy Dinner
• Key Takeaways
• The Beauty of a One-Pot Meal
• Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stew
• More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
• The Full Recipe
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This ground beef recipes for dinner easy is a total game-changer for busy nights. It’s a one-pot wonder that comes together in about an hour, making it one of the best easy dinner recipes for a hungry family. You get a hearty, flavorful meal loaded with vegetables and savory broth, with minimal prep and cleanup. It’s budget-friendly, freezes beautifully, and proves that a delicious, comforting dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.

Welcome to the Ultimate Family Dinner

Hey there, I’m Patricia from Patricia Universe, and I’m a firm believer that the best family meals are the ones that bring everyone to the table without keeping you chained to the kitchen. Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute go-to dishes: a hearty, soul-warming ground beef stew. This isn’t just any stew; it’s my secret weapon for turning a pound of ground beef into a pot full of comfort. If you’re searching for easy ground beef recipes for dinner that actually deliver on flavor and ease, you’ve found it. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you need something satisfying on the table fast.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out in the world of easy dinner recipes? First, it’s incredibly forgiving. No need for precise chopping or fancy techniques. Second, it’s a complete meal in one pot—protein, starch, and veggies all cozying up together. Third, the aroma that fills your kitchen is pure nostalgia. It’s the smell of home, of care, of a meal made with love but without the stress. It’s a ground beef recipe for dinner that feels special but is simple enough for a Wednesday. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making fantastic leftovers for lunch.

Perfect for a Quick and Easy Dinner

We all have those evenings. The clock is ticking, stomachs are rumbling, and the thought of a complicated meal is just too much. This is where this simple ground beef dinner recipe shines. With about 15 minutes of hands-on prep, you can have everything simmering away while you tackle homework, answer emails, or simply put your feet up. The active cook time is minimal, letting the stove do most of the work. It’s the epitome of a quick and easy dinner recipe that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor or heartiness.

The Beauty of a One-Pot Meal

Let’s talk about the real hero of any simple dinner recipe: minimal cleanup. This entire meal, from browning the beef to simmering the stew, happens in one single pot. That means fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy with your family. The flavors also have a chance to meld beautifully as everything cooks together, creating a depth that you just can’t get from a dish assembled at the last minute. It’s a practical and delicious approach to ground beef recipes for dinner that busy cooks truly appreciate.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Stew

To get the most out of this family dinner recipe, a few little tips can make a big difference. Don’t skip draining the fat from the beef after browning—it keeps the stew from being greasy. Let the onions and garlic cook until fragrant; this builds your flavor foundation. Feel free to swap in your family’s favorite veggies or use what you have on hand. And for a richer broth, a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce added with the tomatoes works wonders. This flexibility is what makes it one of my favorite easy recipes with ground beef.

More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try

If this ground beef stew recipe becomes a hit in your house (and I have a feeling it will!), I’ve got plenty more where that came from over at Patricia Universe. From creamy pastas and sheet-pan wonders to cozy casseroles, my entire site is dedicated to proving that delicious, home-cooked meals can fit into any schedule. Be sure to browse the “Dinners” section for more inspiration for your weekly meal plan!

The Full Recipe

Ready to make it? Head over to the main recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this comforting, easy dinner.

Notes & Tips

This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. For a lighter version, ground turkey works perfectly. If you prefer a thicker stew, use the cornstarch slurry as directed—it makes all the difference!

Hearty and Easy Ground Beef Stew Recipe for a Cozy Dinner

This hearty ground beef stew is the ultimate easy dinner recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with vegetables and seasoned to perfection, it’s a delicious, one-pot meal the whole family will love. Get the full recipe on Patricia Universe!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Dinners

Cuisine: American

Keywords: easy dinner recipes, family dinner, ground beef stew, hearty beef stew, one pot stew, quick stew

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Patricia

Ingredients

For the Stew

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 3 tablespoons cold water (optional, for slurry)

For Serving (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty bread

Instructions

Brown the Beef

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

1. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Simmer the Stew

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Finish and Thicken

1. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes.
2. For a thicker stew, make a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering stew and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the broth thickens. Remove and discard the bay leaves.

Serve

1. Ladle the hot stew into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

This stew is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat for a lighter option. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans.