Hamburger Stew Recipe With Bright Tomato Chunks

Sometimes, I just crave a dinner that feels like a warm hug, but comes together fast, don’t you? The aroma of this hearty hamburger stew recipe with Bright Tomato Chunks simmering on the stove is pure comfort, promising a vibrant, rich flavor with every spoonful. This incredible hamburger stew recipe with Bright Tomato Chunks is exactly that — a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pot meal perfect for any night. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling schedules, a comfort food enthusiast, or simply seeking wholesome, family-friendly dinners without the fuss, this hamburger stew recipe with Bright Tomato Chunks is for you. It’s a cherished family favorite, perfected over years of weeknight meals to guarantee deliciousness every single time. Get ready for minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, and a satisfying dish that delivers pure comfort without hours in the kitchen, making it one of my favorite easy dinner ideas.

Ingredient Guide with Flavor & Function

Lean Ground Beef (1.5 lbs / 680g): The hearty base, providing rich protein and savory depth. (Swap: You can use extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lower fat option, adjusting cook time slightly.)
Bright Tomato Chunks (1 can, 28 oz / 794g, undrained): Bursting with vibrant, sweet-tart flavor and essential acidity to balance the richness. (Quality: Choose organic Bright Tomato Chunks for peak freshness and flavor.)
Potatoes (3 cups / 450g, cubed Yukon Gold or Russet): Absorb all the wonderful flavors and add a creamy, comforting texture to the stew. (Swap: Sweet potatoes or even turnips can be used for a different twist, or reduce potato quantity for lower carb meals.)
Carrots (2 medium / 150g, chopped) & Celery (2 stalks / 100g, chopped): These form the classic mirepoix base, offering natural sweetness and an aromatic foundation.
Onion (1 medium / 150g, chopped) & Garlic (2 cloves / 10g, minced): Essential flavor builders that provide depth and warmth to the entire dish.
Beef Broth (4 cups / 960ml): Creates a rich, savory liquid base that infuses all the ingredients. (Quality: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to better control the overall salt content in your healthy dinner ideas.)
Peas (1 cup / 140g, frozen): Add a pop of vibrant green, a touch of sweetness, and extra vitamins at the very end.
Seasonings (1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf): This simple spice blend expertly ties all the savory and sweet flavors together for a cohesive taste.

Good quality canned Bright Tomato Chunks are crucial for consistent flavor, making this hearty hamburger stew recipe with Bright Tomato Chunks truly shine. Look for fresh, firm carrots and celery at your local market for the best texture and taste.

Cooking Instructions Made Simple

1. Brown the Beef (5-7 minutes): In a large 5.5-quart Dutch oven, brown 1.5 lbs lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a sturdy spoon until no pink remains and it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat — I always do this for a cleaner stew base and clearer flavor. Draining excess fat is a simple step for a cleaner, healthier hamburger stew recipe with Bright Tomato Chunks.
2. Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes): Add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, releasing their sweet aromas.
3. Build the Flavor Base (2 minutes): Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and begin to bloom, enhancing their depth.
4. Simmer the Stew (25-30 minutes): Pour in 4 cups beef broth and a 28 oz can Bright Tomato Chunks (undrained). Add 3 cups cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the stew slightly thickens, approximately 25-30 minutes. If the stew looks too thin, uncover for the last 10 minutes of simmering to allow some liquid to evaporate, or mash a few potatoes against the pot side to release starch. This makes a wonderfully rich hamburger stew recipe with Bright Tomato Chunks.
5. Finish & Serve (2 minutes): Stir in 1 cup frozen peas. Cook for just 2-3 minutes until the peas are vibrant green and heated through. Remove the bay leaf before serving this hearty hamburger stew recipe with Bright Tomato Chunks — it’s perfect for wholesome family dinners that support easy meal prep recipes for busy weeks.

Inline variations:

For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings in step 3 for an extra layer of warmth.
For a thicker stew: Mash some of the tender potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon, or create a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the simmering stew until thickened to your liking.
For kid-friendly: Dice all vegetables extra small so they “disappear” more easily, and use a milder, low-sodium beef broth. This makes a truly family-friendly meal.

Quick callouts for common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Don’t overcrowd the pot: When browning the beef, ensure you use a large enough pot. If you have too much meat for your pot, brown it in two smaller batches to ensure it truly browns and doesn’t just steam.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: Especially the peas! Add them towards the very end of cooking to keep them vibrant green and crisp-tender, not mushy.

Perfect Moments to Serve This Hearty Hamburger Stew

This versatile hamburger stew recipe with Bright Tomato Chunks fits wonderfully into many mealtime scenarios. It’s a true culinary friend for busy households.

Occasions:
Casual family dinners on busy weeknights, offering easy dinner ideas without fuss.
Cozy Sunday suppers that warm the soul and gather everyone.
Comforting meal prep for lunches throughout the week, ensuring healthy options are always at hand.
Potlucks or gatherings where a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish is always welcome.

Pairings with sides, drinks, or toppings:
Crusty bread or warm cornbread for dipping into the rich broth.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream/Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

Make-ahead tips: prep, freeze, and reheat guidance:
Prep: Chop all vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Cook ahead: This hamburger stew recipe tastes even better the next day! Refrigerate cooked stew for up to 4 days. I often double this hamburger stew recipe on Sunday nights so my family has satisfying, healthy lunches ready for the week.
Freeze: Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition & Wellness Spotlight for Your Family

This one-pot hamburger stew recipe provides a complete, balanced meal, rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a smart choice for healthy dinner ideas.

Protein boost: Lean ground beef provides sustained energy and helps keep you feeling full, perfect for high-protein snacks or meals.
Plant-powered energy: Packed with a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, celery, and Bright Tomato Chunks for vitamins and fiber.
Naturally lower in sugar: A wholesome dish that avoids added sugars often found in processed meals, supporting a balanced diet.
Hearty and satisfying: A truly filling meal that supports easy meal prep for weight loss or maintaining energy levels, making it a family-friendly favorite.

Everyday Benefits Beyond the Plate

Time-Saving: A true one-pot wonder means less time cooking and cleaning, freeing up your evenings for family or relaxation.
Affordable: Made with budget-friendly ingredients that create a substantial, nourishing meal for the whole family without breaking the bank.
Nourishing & Wholesome: Feeds your family well with real, unprocessed ingredients you can feel good about, supporting healthy eating habits.
Crowd-Pleaser: A universally loved comfort food that satisfies even the pickiest eaters, ensuring happy family dinners.

Expert Tips & Adaptations for This Hamburger Stew Recipe

Techniques for richer flavor or better texture:
Bloom your spices: Toast the dried thyme in the hot fat after browning the beef for 30 seconds before adding liquids to enhance its aroma and flavor.
Add umami: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar (1 tsp) can deepen the flavor profile, adding complexity.

Flavor adjustments (herbs, spice blends, toppings):
Fresh herbs: Stir in fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving for a bright, aromatic finish.
Spice it up: A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper adds extra warmth and a subtle kick.

Dietary adaptations:
Vegan: Replace ground beef with a mix of brown lentils and hearty mushrooms; ensure you use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Diabetic-friendly: Focus on leaner beef, increase non-starchy vegetables, and consider using half potatoes/half radishes or turnips to manage carb intake.
Allergy-conscious: This hamburger stew recipe is naturally gluten-free if your beef broth is certified gluten-free, making it a safe option for many.

Questions Readers Often Ask About Hamburger Stew

Can hamburger stew be prepped ahead for busy weeks?

Absolutely! Cook the entire hamburger stew recipe and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It’s fantastic for quick reheat meals on busy weeknights, and the flavors deepen nicely overnight, making it a great meal prep recipe.

What are the healthiest substitutes for hamburger in this stew?

Ground turkey, lean ground chicken, or a hearty mix of brown lentils and diced mushrooms are excellent options for this hamburger stew, offering varied protein sources while keeping it healthy and delicious for your family.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Bright Tomato Chunks?

Yes, you can use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. They will offer a slightly different texture and less intense tomato flavor. I often prefer the canned Bright Tomato Chunks for consistent sweetness and color in this hamburger stew recipe.

How do I make this hamburger stew thicker or thinner?

For a thicker stew, make a slurry with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water, then stir it into the simmering stew and cook for 1 minute until thickened. For a thinner consistency, simply add more beef broth until your desired consistency is reached.

What are good side dishes for this hamburger stew recipe?

Simple crusty bread, warm cornbread, or a light green salad complement this hamburger stew recipe beautifully. They offer a nice contrast in texture and freshness to the hearty stew, completing your family dinner.

Is this hamburger stew recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes exceptionally well! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly hot. It’s perfect for future healthy dinners.

Conclusion

This hamburger stew recipe with Bright Tomato Chunks is more than just a meal; it’s a simple promise of comfort, nutrition, and deliciousness for your family, anytime you need it for quick, healthy meals. Don’t wait – pin this easy dinner idea now for your next cozy dinner, share it with a friend who loves family-friendly recipes, or add it to your weekly meal plan!