Description
A quick and easy ground beef stew recipe made with budget-friendly ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and canned tomatoes — perfect for weeknight comfort meals.
Ingredients
1½ lbs ground beef (lean or regular)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, diced
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
4 cups beef broth or water + bouillon
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and thyme. Cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes with juices. Stir well.
5. Add carrots, potatoes, and bay leaf.
6. Pour in broth to cover ingredients. Bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
8. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Use frozen mixed vegetables to save even more prep time.
Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Stew thickens as it sits; add broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Budget-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: ground beef stew, budget beef stew, easy stew recipe