Beef Recipes
This beef stew recipe uses simple ingredients to make a hearty, comforting meal ready in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ground beef works well here because it cooks fast and stays juicy.
You do not need fancy cuts or long marinating times.
This dish comes together while you chop vegetables.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
Use 85/15 ratio for best flavor balance without excess grease.
1 medium yellow onion, diced
Sweet onions work better than white ones for this dish.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic adds depth but bottled works in a pinch.
1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes
Low-sodium version lets you control salt levels yourself.
1 cup beef broth
Make your own or use store-bought low sodium variety.
1 tsp dried thyme
Substitute fresh if you have some on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat pan over medium-high
Get your skillet hot before adding any oil or butter.
2. Cook ground beef thoroughly
Break it into small pieces as it browns for even cooking.
3. Add onions and garlic
Sauté until soft and fragrant but not burnt or browned.
4. Stir in tomatoes and broth
Scrape up any stuck bits from bottom of pan now.
5. Season with thyme and salt
Taste again later since reduction changes flavor intensity.
6. Simmer covered for 25 minutes
Keep lid slightly cracked to prevent boiling over.
7. Check consistency and serve
Thicken further with cornstarch slurry if needed.
Pro Tips
How to Store Beef Recipes
Refrigerator
Store in sealed container up to three days
Freezer
Freeze portions for up to three months
Reheating
Warm slowly on stove with splash of water
Delicious Variations
- Add carrots and peas for extra vegetable content
- Mix in cream cheese for richer texture finish
- Top with grated parmesan for Italian twist
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other meats instead?
Yes swap ground turkey or chicken for lighter option. Adjust cooking time accordingly since poultry cooks faster.
Q: How do I make it thicker?
Mix one tablespoon cornstarch with two tablespoons cold water. Stir into simmering sauce until thickened.
Q: What sides go well?
Serve over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread. Rice also works nicely to soak up sauce.
Q: Is this gluten-free safe?
Yes ensure all ingredients like broth are certified gluten-free. Most brands list allergens clearly on labels.
Q: Can I make ahead?
Prepare full recipe day before and refrigerate overnight. Flavors improve when left sitting together.
Try making this tonight and see how easy home cooking can be.
Beef Recipes
This beef stew recipe uses simple ingredients to make a hearty, comforting meal ready in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
📋 Instructions
- 1Heat pan over medium-high — Get your skillet hot before adding any oil or butter.
- 2Cook ground beef thoroughly — Break it into small pieces as it browns for even cooking.
- 3Add onions and garlic — Sauté until soft and fragrant but not burnt or browned.
- 4Stir in tomatoes and broth — Scrape up any stuck bits from bottom of pan now.
- 5Season with thyme and salt — Taste again later since reduction changes flavor intensity.
- 6Simmer covered for 25 minutes — Keep lid slightly cracked to prevent boiling over.
- 7Check consistency and serve — Thicken further with cornstarch slurry if needed.
