Hearty Homestyle Ground Beef & Potato Stew
Warm, comforting, and wonderfully satisfying, this classic ground beef and potato stew is the ultimate cozy dinner. Tender potatoes, sweet carrots, green peas, and savory ground beef simmer together in a rich, flavorful broth for a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or anytime you crave a simple homemade dish.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water, or as needed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons cold water (if thickening)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the diced potatoes, green peas, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix well to coat everything evenly with the seasonings.
Pour in the beef broth and enough water to just cover the ingredients. Bring the stew to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
If you’d like a thicker stew, whisk together the flour or cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the stew and simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve piping hot with:
Crusty artisan bread
Buttery biscuits
Steamed rice
A fresh green salad
Tips for the Best Stew
For extra richness, use Yukon Gold potatoes.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.
Stir in a handful of fresh parsley just before serving for a bright finish.
This hearty stew is a timeless comfort food favorite—simple, filling, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them asking for seconds.
