Hearty Everyday Stew with Ground Beef

Juicy ground meat combines with tender potatoes and crisp bell peppers to create a palate pleaser that celebrates tradition and simplicity in every spoonful. This rustic stew combines hearty flavors with simple, down-to-earth ingredients and creates a warming dish that enriches every table. The rich sauce harmoniously binds all flavor components together and makes this farmhouse pot the perfect companion for cool days and cozy family meals.

When I cooked this farmhouse stew for friends for the first time, I was surprised by how enthusiastic everyone was. Even my picky neighbor, who usually only praises his own dishes, asked for the recipe. What particularly pleases me: The preparation is so uncomplicated that I can chat with my guests while the pot simmers on the stove. The delicious aromas that spread throughout the kitchen put everyone in the mood for enjoyment.

Flavor Harmony

• Ground meat: The browned ground meat develops deep roasting aromas that give the dish its hearty base
• Potatoes: Waxy potatoes absorb the flavors of the sauce while maintaining their shape
• Bell peppers: Colorful bell peppers provide fresh splashes of color and a slightly sweet contrast
• Tomato paste: Tomato paste provides a fruity depth and natural sweetness
• Herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence bring Mediterranean notes and refine the rustic dish
• Beef stock: Beef stock intensifies the flavor and combines all components into a harmonious whole
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds an aromatic accent at the end and provides vibrant freshness

I was particularly impressed by how the different flavors come together with cooking time. What begins as a simple combination develops into a complex taste experience through slow simmering. The potatoes absorb the seasoning, while the ground meat releases its flavors to the sauce, and everything merges into a delicious unity.

Ingredient Treasure

• Waxy potatoes: Retain their shape and provide a pleasant texture
• Mixed ground meat: Provides a juicy base with balanced flavor
• Red and yellow bell peppers: Bring color and a slightly sweet note into play
• Red onions: Are more aromatic than white ones and release a gentle sweetness
• Garlic: Perfectly rounds out the flavor profile with its spicy depth
• Tomato paste: Concentrates fruity flavors and provides a natural umami note
• Beef stock: Forms the basis for the flavorful sauce
• Paprika: Mild and hot paprika provide spice without dominating
• Herbs de Provence: Combine several Mediterranean flavors in one mixture
• Fresh parsley: Adds an invigorating accent at the end

When selecting potatoes, I recommend waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss. They maintain their shape even after longer cooking times and don't fall apart in the sauce. I prefer to use ground meat as a mixture of beef and pork, as this creates a balanced flavor and makes the sauce richer than pure ground beef.

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Preparation Magic

Prepare potatoes:

Thoroughly wash the potatoes, peel them, and cut them into uniform cubes of about 2 cm size. The uniform size is important so that all pieces cook at the same time. Briefly rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain well.

Cut vegetables:

Halve the bell peppers, remove the seeds, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Use different colored peppers for an appealing play of colors in the finished dish. Finely dice the red onion and garlic. Fine dices ensure that the flavors distribute better in the dish.

Brown ground meat:

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep pan and brown the ground meat in it over medium to high heat until crumbly. Keep breaking the meat apart with a cooking spoon to prevent large clumps from forming. Thorough browning develops important roasting flavors that give the dish depth.

Aromatize:

Add the diced onions to the ground meat and sauté until translucent. Then add the tomato paste and briefly roast until it develops its aroma and takes on a darker color. Stir in garlic, paprika powder, and herbs de Provence and briefly sauté until they release their aroma.

Add vegetables:

Add potato cubes and bell pepper pieces to the pot and stir briefly so they mix with the spices and meat. The different components should be well mixed so that the flavors can distribute evenly.

Let simmer:

Deglaze with beef stock so that all ingredients are just covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let the pot simmer covered for about 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are soft but still firm to the bite. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and distribute the flavors.

Finalize:

If desired, thicken the sauce with some cornstarch mixed in cold water. Season with salt and pepper and add more seasoning if needed. Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving, which gives the dish freshness and visually enhances it.

Worth Knowing

• Farmhouse pots: Have a long tradition in rural cuisine and were originally prepared from regionally available ingredients
• Potatoes and ground meat: The combination of potatoes and ground meat offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates and proteins
• Stew dishes: Often taste even better the next day, as the flavors have time to develop

My family has developed a special relationship with this dish. When my children were young and didn't want to eat many vegetables, this farmhouse stew was one of the few ways to make bell peppers and other vegetables tasty for them. What personally excites me about this recipe is its adaptability. Depending on the season and available ingredients, I modify it and discover new flavor nuances again and again. In winter, I like to use additional root vegetables, and in summer, more fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty farmhouse stew is a complete dish that needs no additional sides. Served in deep plates or rustic bowls, its country charm is particularly evident. A piece of crusty farmhouse bread is perfect for soaking up the aromatic sauce and rounds off the taste experience. For a fresh note, a simple green salad with light dressing can be served, whose acidity forms a pleasant contrast to the heartiness of the stew. Those who like it traditional serve it with a cool beer or, for wine drinkers, a light red wine such as a young Pinot Noir.

Variation Ideas

This versatile farmhouse stew can be wonderfully adapted to personal preferences. For a Mediterranean version, you can add olives, dried tomatoes, and some rosemary, which gives the dish a southern note. If you like it spicier, add a finely chopped chili pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the pot. An autumnal version is created by adding mushrooms, which give the dish an earthy depth. For a lower-calorie version, you can partially replace the ground meat with lentils, which brings additional fiber and makes the stew even more satisfying.

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Storage Tips

This farmhouse stew is excellent for pre-cooking, as it even gains in flavor when reheated. It stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or warm up in portions in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened during storage, simply add a splash of broth or water. For longer storage, you can also freeze the stew in portions, where it will keep for up to three months. Before serving, then thaw slowly and heat thoroughly.

The discovery of this farmhouse stew recipe has changed my attitude toward cooking. It showed me that even simple dishes with few ingredients can taste extraordinary when prepared with love. On stressful days, it's my lifesaver, on cold winter days my soul comforter, and with spontaneous visits my reliable solution. The enthusiasm in the faces of my guests when they try the first spoonful is a joy every time anew. Try this recipe and discover how a simple stew can become a highlight on your dining table!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can use mixed ground meat or ground pork instead of ground beef. Each variety gives the dish a slightly different flavor. Ground pork will make the flavor milder, while mixed ground meat provides a balanced meat flavor.

→ How can I make the farmer's stew more flavorful?

For more flavor, you can increase the amount of hot paprika powder or add some chili. Cumin, marjoram, or a bay leaf also fit well into the flavor profile. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or some balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking adds additional depth.

→ Can I prepare the stew in advance?

Absolutely! The farmer's stew is excellent for pre-cooking and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat slowly, adding extra liquid if needed.

→ What sides go well with this stew?

The farmer's stew is a complete one-pot meal that doesn't really need additional sides. A fresh farmhouse bread or baguette for dipping tastes wonderful with it. A simple green salad is also a good addition for a complete dinner.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative?

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with soy chunks, chopped mushrooms, or diced smoked tofu. Then use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Kidney beans or lentils are also good protein-rich alternatives to meat.

→ What can I do if the stew is too thin?

As mentioned in the recipe, you can thicken the stew with some dissolved cornstarch. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork, which will release their starch and naturally bind the sauce. Or simply let the stew simmer uncovered a bit longer.