This hearty ground beef stew is perfect for the whole family, with tender beef, sweet carrots, and soft potatoes that blend together in a rich, savory broth. The flavors deepen as it simmers, creating a satisfying meal that will keep everyone warm and full.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, yet it’s packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s easy to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your taste. Whether served with a side of warm bread or enjoyed on its own, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.
Full Recipe:
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1 pound ground beef
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4 large carrots, peeled and diced
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4 potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups beef broth
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1 cup frozen peas
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 bay leaf
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2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
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Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Remove the bay leaf and stir in the frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
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Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Stew: A Hearty Family Favorite
When it comes to family-friendly meals, few dishes are as universally loved as a hearty stew. A good stew is more than just a comforting bowl of food; it’s a dish that brings people together. This Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Stew is a great example of how you can create a nutritious, delicious, and satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. With its combination of tender beef, vegetables, and flavorful broth, this stew is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
The Versatility of Ground Beef in Stews
Ground beef is a fantastic base for many stews because of its affordability, accessibility, and ability to absorb the flavors of whatever it’s cooked with. When ground beef is browned and simmered in a stew, it becomes tender and flavorful, making it the perfect protein choice for this recipe. Additionally, ground beef can be a great option for families with young children, as it’s easy to chew and digest. In a stew, ground beef adds heartiness without being overly heavy, making it an ideal addition to a meal that is both filling and satisfying.
A Balanced Meal in One Pot
One of the main advantages of this kid-friendly ground beef stew is that it provides a well-rounded meal in a single pot. It includes a variety of vegetables like carrots and potatoes, which are packed with vitamins and minerals. The beef provides protein, and the broth ties everything together with its savory flavor. The best part? All the ingredients cook together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the stew simmers. This not only makes the cooking process easier but also ensures that the entire family gets a balanced meal in every bite.
Customizing the Recipe for Different Preferences
Although this recipe is simple and satisfying as written, it is also highly customizable. You can adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. For example, you could add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even squash to vary the flavors. If you want to sneak in more greens, consider adding spinach, kale, or peas, which would provide an additional nutritional boost. The beauty of this stew lies in its adaptability; you can make it suit your family’s dietary needs and preferences with just a few simple swaps.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
This recipe is perfect for the slow-cooking method, which allows the flavors to develop slowly and thoroughly. When the ingredients simmer together for an extended period, the beef becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables soften to perfection. Additionally, slow cooking enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the potatoes, creating a rich and satisfying stew. If you’re using a slow cooker or pressure cooker, you can even set it and forget it, letting the appliance do most of the work for you while you go about your day.
Why It’s Great for Kids
When it comes to feeding kids, the flavor and texture of the food are essential. This ground beef stew is designed with kid-friendly preferences in mind. The beef is finely ground, making it easy for little ones to chew. The vegetables are soft but still hold their shape, offering just the right texture for children to enjoy. The savory broth is flavorful but not too overwhelming, making it a great way to introduce children to different types of food without being too bold. Plus, the meal is a great way to encourage kids to eat more vegetables, as they’re mixed in with the hearty beef and potatoes.
Nutritional Value of the Stew
This stew offers a range of nutritional benefits, making it an excellent choice for family dinners. The ground beef provides a good source of protein and iron, which are essential for muscle growth and overall health. Carrots and potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, all of which support the immune system, heart health, and digestive function. Additionally, the peas provide a boost of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C, making this stew an all-around nourishing dish.
The Perfect Comfort Food
There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of stew, and this ground beef version doesn’t disappoint. Whether it’s a chilly day or simply a time when you need a warm, satisfying meal, this stew will hit the spot. The tender beef and vegetables soaked in a savory broth provide the ultimate in comfort food, offering a sense of warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for family dinners, especially when you want something filling but easy to make. Plus, it’s a meal that both kids and adults can enjoy, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
How to Serve the Stew
While this stew is delicious on its own, it can be enhanced with a few sides to make the meal even more satisfying. Serve it with a warm loaf of crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a fresh green salad to add some lightness to the meal. If you prefer, a side of rice or mashed potatoes can also complement the stew, creating a heartier dish. For a little extra flavor, you can top the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, adding an extra touch of richness and color to the presentation.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This ground beef stew is an excellent choice for meal prep, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day. The flavors have time to continue developing in the fridge, making the leftovers just as tasty (if not more) than the initial meal. You can store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve again. Having a batch of stew ready to go makes it easy to serve a nutritious meal during busy weeks.
Conclusion: A Family-Approved Comfort Meal
In conclusion, this Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Stew is a fantastic option for busy families looking for a nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make meal. It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and comforting flavors, making it the perfect dish for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to have leftovers for the week, this stew checks all the boxes. It’s simple, customizable, and the perfect way to enjoy a filling, wholesome meal. Try it once, and it might just become your new family favorite!
