Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

4 cups beef broth

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup frozen corn

2 bay leaves

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp brown sugar

Hamburger buns, for serving

Your favorite hamburger toppings (shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften.

Step 2: Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Pour in the beef broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, bay leaves, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir everything together.

Step 5: Bring the stew to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to deepen.

Step 6: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 7: Serve the stew hot in bowls alongside hamburger buns and your choice of toppings for a fun and satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add a splash of hot sauce or additional cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor.

Leftover stew makes an excellent filling for stuffed bell peppers or baked potatoes.

Storage

Store leftover hamburger stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This stew also freezes well; keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, after browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.