Hearty Pea Stew with Vegetables & Ground Beef

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, homemade stew simmering on the stove—especially on chilly days when you crave something hearty yet nourishing. This one-pot ground beef and vegetable stew is a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that combines savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth.

What makes this dish so special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors: the sweetness of caramelized onions, the earthiness of potatoes and carrots, the depth of tomato paste, and the burst of freshness from peas added at the end. Best of all, it’s made in one pot, meaning less cleanup and maximum flavor as everything cooks together to perfection.

This stew is incredibly versatile—serve it over rice for a heartier meal, pair it with crusty bread, or enjoy it as is. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your home!

Ingredients

Serves: 4-6
Total Time: 50 minutes

• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)

• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 150g)

• 200g ground beef (lean or regular, depending on preference)

• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced (about 100g)

• 1 medium potato, peeled and cut into small cubes (about 200g)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste (for rich depth and color)

• 2 cups (500ml) water or low-sodium beef broth

• 2 cups (200g) green peas, fresh or frozen

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: ½ tsp cumin or paprika (for added warmth and spice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Onion Until Soft

1️⃣ Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 4-quart stainless steel pot over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the finely diced onion, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion turns soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
3️⃣ The edges of the onion will start to turn light golden, but avoid burning—lower the heat if necessary.
4️⃣ A pleasant aroma should now fill your kitchen, signaling it's time for the next step.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1️⃣ Add 200g of ground beef directly into the pot with the sautéed onions.
2️⃣ Using a wooden spatula, break the meat apart into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
3️⃣ Stir occasionally, letting the beef cook for 7-8 minutes, until it is no longer pink and turns rich brown.
4️⃣ You’ll notice juices and fat rendering from the beef—this is where the flavor builds! If you prefer a leaner stew, you can drain excess fat, but leaving some enhances the richness of the broth.

Step 3: Add the Carrot and Potato

1️⃣ Stir in the diced carrot and cubed potato, ensuring each piece is coated in the flavorful beef mixture.
2️⃣ Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the vegetables start to soften slightly.
3️⃣ The potatoes will absorb some of the oil and beef juices, enhancing their taste and texture.
4️⃣ If using cumin or paprika, add it now for an extra depth of flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate the Tomato Paste and Sauté

1️⃣ Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, spreading it evenly across the mixture.
2️⃣ Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the paste to darken slightly and fully coat the ingredients.
3️⃣ This step enhances the stew’s rich color and deep umami flavor while eliminating the raw taste of the tomato paste.

Step 5: Pour in Water and Bring to a Boil

1️⃣ Slowly pour in 2 cups (500ml) of water (or beef broth for added richness).
2️⃣ Stir well, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
3️⃣ Season with salt and black pepper, stirring to distribute evenly.
4️⃣ Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the stew to a gentle boil.
5️⃣ Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Add the Peas and Simmer to Perfection

1️⃣ Stir in 2 cups (200g) of green peas.
2️⃣ Lower the heat further and cover the pot, letting the stew simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir occasionally, checking if the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
4️⃣ As the stew thickens, the broth will take on a deep golden-red hue, and the flavors will intensify.
5️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

🥖 Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
🍚 Enjoy over steamed rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
🧀 Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
🌶 Add a dash of chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick!

This one-pot ground beef and vegetable stew is simple yet deeply satisfying, proving that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create a delicious homemade meal. The combination of caramelized onions, tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich tomato-infused broth makes every bite incredibly comforting.

Whether you’re making this as a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep staple, or a family-favorite comfort dish, it’s bound to become a regular part of your recipe rotation.

So grab a bowl, enjoy the warm, rich flavors, and let this hearty dish bring comfort to your table! 🍲✨