Description
A quick, one-pot ground beef stew that delivers rich, comforting flavor in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses pantry staples and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) 80/20 ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano, thyme, and basil)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 large potato, diced; fresh parsley; red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep vegetables: Dice the onion, peel and dice the carrots, and mince the garlic. Open cans of tomatoes and broth.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt and pepper. Let it sit to form a brown crust, then drain excess grease if desired.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add onions and carrots to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build sauce: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until carrots are tender and sauce has thickened.
- Final touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir in fresh parsley if using. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a thicker stew, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) and simmer for 2 more minutes. If adding potatoes, dice them small (1/2 inch) so they cook within the 30-minute window. This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1.5 cups per
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
Keywords: ground beef stew, quick dinner, 30 minute meals, one pot dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy stew, beef stew recipe