Ground Beef Stew

One-Pot Ground Beef Stew

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One-pot ground beef stew is the kind of meal you make when comfort is calling and you need something hearty with minimal cleanup. This easy, budget-friendly stew is loaded with tender ground beef, soft potatoes, sweet carrots, and a savory broth that thickens into a rich gravy—all in just over an hour. Perfect for chilly nights, hungry families, or anyone who wants classic beef stew flavor without waiting all day. And since it all comes together in one pot, you’ll spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying seconds.

Ground beef stew doesn’t have to mean boring. This version transforms simple, inexpensive ingredients into a cozy, satisfying dinner with deep, savory flavor and just the right texture. Using ground beef instead of stew meat means faster cook time, no tough chunks, and that nostalgic stew flavor—without hours of simmering. Plus, it reheats beautifully and freezes well, making it a smart choice for batch cooking.

Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Stew
  • One pot = less cleanup
  • Ground beef is faster and more affordable than stew meat
  • Packed with veggies like carrots, potatoes, and celery
  • Make-ahead and freezer friendly
  • Rich, thick gravy without any special ingredients

🧂 Ingredients

For the Stew

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ lb potatoes, cubed
  • 2 ½ cups beef stock
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 packet brown gravy mix

For Thickening

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup water

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef
    In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, crumbling it with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat. Transfer meat to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables
    In the same pot, heat olive oil. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Add Seasonings
    Stir in thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant—about 1 minute.
  4. Simmer the Base
    Add cubed potatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and the reserved browned beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, or until vegetables are fork-tender.
  5. Thicken the Stew
    Stir in brown gravy mix. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water to make a slurry. Add to stew while simmering, stirring constantly until thickened—about 5–7 minutes.
  6. Finish and Serve
    Remove bay leaf and thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with bread, biscuits, or over mashed potatoes.

🕒 Recipe Details

Ground Beef Stew
  • Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Skill Level: Easy to Moderate

🍽 Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)

  • Calories: 400–450
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Sugar: 4g

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
  • Add peas or corn for extra color and sweetness
  • Skip the gravy mix? Just increase flour to 3 tbsp and add more Worcestershire for flavor
  • Make it gluten-free: Use cornstarch and gluten-free gravy mix
  • Slow cooker? Brown beef and sauté veggies first, then cook on LOW 5–6 hrs

❓ FAQs

Can I freeze ground beef stew?
Yes! Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

What potatoes work best?
Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape best, but russets will give a softer texture.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely—it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Just reheat gently.

Can I make this without gravy mix?
Yes. Use more flour and Worcestershire sauce for similar depth, or add a splash of soy sauce.

Ground Beef Stew

One-Pot Ground Beef Stew

A rich and savory ground beef stew made in one pot with tender vegetables and a thick gravy. Quick, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • – Wooden spoon or spatula
  • – Cutting board & knife
  • – Small mixing bowl
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • **For the Stew**
  • – 1 tbsp olive oil
  • – 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
  • – 2 large carrots chopped
  • – 2 celery stalks chopped
  • – 1 large onion diced
  • – 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • – 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
  • – 1 bay leaf
  • – ½ lb potatoes cubed
  • – 2 ½ cups beef stock
  • – 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • – Salt and pepper to taste
  • – 1 packet brown gravy mix
  • **For Thickening**
  • – 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • – ½ cup water

Instructions
 

  • Brown ground beef in a large pot, drain, and set aside.
  • In same pot, heat oil and sauté carrots, celery, and onion for 8–10 minutes.
  • Add garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
  • Stir in potatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and beef. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
  • Stir in gravy mix. Whisk flour and water into slurry, add, and simmer until thickened.
  • Remove bay leaf and thyme. Taste and serve.

Notes

– Add peas or corn at the end for extra veggies
– For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour
Keyword ground beef stew

🏁 Conclusion

This one-pot ground beef stew proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, rich flavor, and fewer dishes, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping for leftovers, this is a cozy, dependable winner for any weeknight.