Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew is your new go-to dinner when life is busy, your fridge looks a little sad, and you’re craving something hearty without the hassle. This dish is the culinary equivalent of sweatpants—it’s comforting, unfussy, and always hits the spot. The best part? You only need one pot, a handful of humble ingredients, and less than an hour to whip up a cozy meal the whole family will actually eat (yes, even the picky one who claims they “don’t like stew”).

With beefy flavor, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots swimming in a savory broth, this stew makes weeknight cooking feel almost… fun? Stick around—this Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew might just become your cold-weather dinner MVP.

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What is Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew?

Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew is exactly what it sounds like: a no-fuss, all-in-one meal built around ground beef, veggies, and broth that simmers into a rich, satisfying dinner. Unlike classic beef stew, which requires hours of braising and expensive cuts of meat, this version leans on ground beef for quick flavor and wallet-friendliness. The stew base gets extra love from onions, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings like thyme and oregano.

Carrots and potatoes soak up all that goodness while frozen peas bring a final pop of color and sweetness. It’s like a big warm hug in a bowl—and because it’s all cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect for meal prep or freezing, and ideal for nights when cooking needs to feel less like a chore.

Reasons to Try Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew

First off, it’s easy. We’re talking weeknight-wonder levels of easy. This isn’t one of those recipes that requires 16 steps and obscure ingredients. If you can stir a spoon and set a timer, you can make this. Second, the flavor? Way better than you’d expect from pantry staples. Between the umami-packed Worcestershire sauce and the slow simmer magic, this stew tastes like it took hours. But really, it’s just smart layering. Third, one pot means less mess.

You’re not playing Tetris with your dishwasher after dinner. And finally, it’s incredibly customizable. Don’t have peas? Skip ’em. Want to toss in some green beans or corn? Go for it. Plus, it freezes like a champ. Make a big batch now, thank yourself later. If you love hearty one-pot meals like Crockpot Cowboy Casserole or Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes, you’re going to be all over this one.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions to Make Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew

If you’re ready to make a cozy, satisfying dinner without turning your kitchen into a war zone, follow this step by step guide to create your very own pot of Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew. Each step is simple, beginner-friendly, and designed for busy home cooks who want big flavor with minimal cleanup.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef Like a Pro

Start by placing a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil—just enough to coat the bottom of the pot. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks.

Let it brown for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re not just cooking the meat here—you’re building flavor. Browning adds that rich, savory depth that takes your Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew from good to “wait, can I get seconds?”

Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This step helps keep your stew from turning greasy, which is a common issue with ground meat-based dishes.

Helpful Tip: If you’re using lean ground beef (90% or higher), you might not need to drain it. For a lighter version, ground turkey works too—just check out our guide on ingredient swaps for weeknight recipes for smart substitutions.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Build a Flavor Base

With the beef still in the pot, add your diced onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant. If your kitchen starts to smell like you know what you’re doing, you’re doing it right.

This simple combo of onion and garlic creates the aromatic foundation for your stew. It’s what makes that first spoonful taste like it’s been simmering all day—even if dinner came together in under an hour.

Related Read: Want to master the basics of sautéing? Don’t miss our tips in the Crockpot Cowboy Casserole recipe for getting those early steps just right.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Seasonings

Now, toss in your sliced carrots and diced potatoes. These hearty vegetables need time to soften and soak up all that beefy goodness. Stir them into the mixture so they’re coated in the oil and flavorful beef drippings.

Next, pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes—juice and all—followed by the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and oregano. Add a generous pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper.

Give everything a good stir. At this point, your Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew is starting to look like something out of a cozy diner menu—and it smells even better.

Pro Tip: Prefer a thicker stew? Use Yukon gold or russet potatoes—they naturally help thicken the broth as they cook. More tips like this can be found in our Chicken Pot Pie Casserole post.

Step 4: Let It Simmer and Do Its Thing

Bring your stew to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it hits a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.

This step is where the real magic happens. The carrots soften, the potatoes turn buttery, and the broth gets infused with all those savory herbs and beefy flavors. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking to the bottom, and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen.

If you’re juggling work, homework, or just trying to keep your dog off the counter, this is the perfect time to multitask. No stirring every five seconds required—just let it go.

Bonus Tip: If you like a thicker texture, take the lid off during the last 10 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. Learn more thickening tricks in our Simple Potato Soup article.

Step 5: Stir in the Peas and Finish Strong

With about 5 minutes left on your simmer timer, toss in the frozen peas. No need to thaw them—just stir them in and let them warm up right in the pot. They add a pop of sweetness and color that balances out the savory richness of the stew.

Once the peas are hot and everything is fork-tender, give the stew a final taste. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. And that’s it—you’re done!

Ladle the Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew into bowls, grab some crusty bread or buttery biscuits, and serve hot. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this dish hits all the right notes.

What to Serve with Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew

This stew is pretty much a full meal in itself, but a little something on the side never hurts. Warm, crusty bread is a no-brainer—something to soak up the broth and mop your bowl clean. A simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette adds a nice fresh contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, cheesy garlic bread or buttery biscuits turn this into a serious comfort food feast. And if you’re a dessert-after-dinner kind of person, you might love pairing this savory bowl with something sweet like our Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie or Maple Cream Pie for the perfect cozy-night-in finish.

Key Tips for Making Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew

Brown your beef well—it adds big flavor from the get-go. Don’t rush the simmering; even though this stew is quick, giving it the full 30–40 minutes helps the flavors deepen and blend. Cut your veggies into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly. If your stew’s feeling a little thin, simmer it uncovered for the last 10 minutes. On the flip side, if it’s too thick, just splash in a bit more broth. And yes, you can absolutely make this in a slow cooker—just brown the meat first, then toss everything in the crockpot on low for 6–8 hours. (Craving more slow cooker meals? Try this Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac—it’s another one-pot winner.)

Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew

Leftovers? You’re in luck. Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew tastes even better the next day. Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop it on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave it in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each. If it thickens too much overnight, a splash of water or broth will loosen things right up. This stew also freezes beautifully—cool it completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove. It’s a freezer meal you’ll actually look forward to.

FAQs

Can I make this with ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great. Just season it well for flavor.

Can I add pasta or rice to this stew?
Sure can. Add cooked pasta or rice toward the end, or cook it separately to keep textures just right.

Is this stew gluten-free?
As long as your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, you’re good to go.

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. It keeps well for days, and the flavors get even better.

Final Thoughts

Easy One Pot Hamburger Stew is one of those back-pocket recipes that delivers every single time. It’s fast, hearty, and feels like it came from grandma’s kitchen—even if you pulled it together after work in yoga pants. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers that actually excite you, this stew gets the job done with minimal fuss. Try it once, and it might just earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. Hungry for more no-fuss comfort food? Don’t miss our Easy Mexican White Trash Casserole—another dinner hero hiding in plain sight.

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