There’s something about the aroma of a stew simmering away on a chilly evening that just wraps around you like a warm hug. Growing up, my mom would make a big pot of her famous stew as soon as the first leaves turned golden in the fall. We’d gather in the kitchen, laughter mingling with the rich scent of hearty vegetables and savory spices. The world outside might have been brisk and breezy, but inside, we felt all the coziness we could ever need.
That’s why I’m delighted to share this One-Pot Ground Beef Stew recipe with you! It’s a comforting dish that’s not just a nod to those fond childhood memories, but also incredibly easy to prepare. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time, and the best part? Just one pot means less cleanup! Let’s dive into this wonderful culinary adventure together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot wonder: Less cleanup and more time to savor.
- Budget-friendly: Ground beef and veggies won’t break the bank.
- Comforting flavors: A warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any season.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite veggies or spices.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your cozy One-Pot Ground Beef Stew:
- 1 lb ground beef (look for lean cuts to reduce grease)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (fresh onions bring the flavor alive!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp here, fresh garlic adds a real punch)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced (sweet and vibrant)
- 2 potatoes, diced (for that hearty texture)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped (frozen works too!)
- 4 cups beef broth (homemade if you have it, store-bought is fine too)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz, with juices)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (it deepens the flavor)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh if you have it)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (this herb is magic in stews)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for your One-Pot Ground Beef Stew:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The smell will already start to excite your senses!
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic will be bitter instead of the flavorful aroma we’re aiming for.
- Now, toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed. We want all that delicious beefy flavor without the puddle of grease!
- Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and green beans, letting them mingle with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices!), and tomato paste. Add in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together like you’re giving it a big hug.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the magic moment where all the flavors will meld into a wonderful stew! After about 20 minutes, taste it and adjust the seasoning if desired.

Pro Tips & Variations
Here’s where it gets fun! You can easily tweak this recipe to make it your own:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some paprika for a bit of heat.
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs always bring a lively touch. Throw in some parsley before serving.
- Veggie lovers: Consider adding squash, peas, or any veggies you have on hand!
- Swap the beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option work beautifully as well.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your One-Pot Ground Beef Stew, I’m all about comfort. I love to ladle it into deep bowls and serve it with a side of crusty bread—think buttery garlic bread or a soft baguette for dipping. It’s also amazing over a bed of fluffy rice or along with a crisp green salad for some freshness. Don’t forget a nice cup of coffee or a glass of red wine to truly savor the moment!

Storage Tips
Now, let’s talk about how to store your delicious stew. If you find you have leftovers—though I doubt it because it’s that good—you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers. Just make sure to leave some room at the top, as liquids expand when frozen!
To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can always add a splash of broth or water if it thickens a bit too much for your liking.
FAQs
Can I use different meat for this stew?
Absolutely! You can try ground turkey, chicken, or even go vegetarian with lentils or beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on what you choose.
How do I make this stew thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, try mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with a bit of water to create a slurry and then stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken right up!
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the veggies and brown the meat a day in advance, storing everything separately. When you’re ready, just combine and simmer as directed!
What can I do with leftover stew?
Leftover stew can be repurposed in so many ways! Try using it as a filling for pies, or over baked potatoes. You can even blend it up for a savory soup!

Conclusion
I hope you find as much joy in making and enjoying this One-Pot Ground Beef Stew as I did. It really is a staple that brings warmth and comfort, whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or just for yourself on a cozy night in. Please, comment and let me know how yours turned out! And don’t be shy—share your own twists on this classic recipe. Happy cooking!
Print
Ultimate OnePot Ground Beef Stew for Flavorful Feasting
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Discover a flavorful onepot ground beef stew thats easy to make and perfect for feasting Enjoy rich flavors and simple prep in one dish
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
This One-Pot Ground Beef Stew is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g





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