Mom's Hamburger Stew

 

This is my recipe for my Mom’s Hamburger Stew.  We never had Chili Beans when I was growing up.  I guess this was our version of Chili. 

Hamburger Stew was an entrée Mom made when I was a kid, and something I continue to enjoy.  In fact, I could eat myself silly on Hamburger Stew.  That makes it dangerous!  It’s a great treat when the weather is cold, but the weather seldom gets cold in South Texas.  That doesn’t stop me from preparing this hardy meal though. 

Hamburger Stew is quick and easy to prep, with a few simple ingredients.  All you need is lean hamburger meat, tomatoes, onions, potatoes and some seasoning.  Simmer for approximately 50 minutes, and then enjoy this delicious treat. 

  

HAMBURGER STEW

2 cans diced tomatoes

24 to 32 ounces tomato juice

1 large can water

2 medium onions, chopped

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

2 lbs lean hamburger

4 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, divided

1 TBSP Lawry’s Garlic Powder with Parsley

½ tsp Black pepper

2 TBSP Chili powder

 

 

Gather Your Ingredients

You’ll need a large pot.  I use a well-seasoned Revereware Dutch oven pot.  I’m also partial to Lawry’s seasoned salt and garlic powder.  You can use a variety of tomato products, such as diced or stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree &/or tomato juice. 

 

 

Season Meat and Cook in Dutch Oven

Place hamburger in a large Dutch oven pot, and sprinkle with Lawry’s Seasoned Salt and Lawry’s Garlic Powder with Parsley.  Break meat apart with a spoon.

 

 

Cook Meat

Add diced onions to the pot with the hamburger.  Cook meat and onions until meat is done.  I don’t drain the meat.  The fat adds a lot of flavor.  Dip from the center to avoid the fat.  I always make enough for leftovers, and the fat is easy to remove after it’s been refrigerated. 

 

 

Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Add tomatoes and water.  Add pepper, chili powder, and additional seasoned salt. 

You can prepare Hamburger Stew with a variety of tomato products.  I often use whatever I have on hand.  Sometimes I use a large can of tomato juice.  My mother used to make it with condensed tomato soup and water.  You could use stewed or diced tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.  You could also use tomato juice and tomato paste.  You could even throw in a little spaghetti sauce. 

 

 

Simmer Meat and Tomatoes

Cover meat and tomato mixture, and simmer for 30 minutes. 

 

 

Add Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to meat and tomato mixture. 

 

 

Simmer Until Done

Cover and simmer hamburger stew another 20 minutes, or until potatoes are done. 

 

 

Serve and Enjoy Your Hamburger Stew

I dip myself up a big bowl of stew, and let it cool for 5-8 minutes. 

My dad likes crumbled Saltine crackers in most soups and stews, and this one is no exception.  I just need a very large bowl, and a spoon! 

Sometimes I like to mix a little leftover Hamburger Stew into my vegetable soup.