Hearty Italian Hamburger Stew: Quick, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

Craving a deeply satisfying meal that brings warmth to your soul? Look no further than this incredible hamburger stew, reimagined with a delightful Italian twist! This isn’t just any stew; it’s a celebration of robust flavors, blending the familiar comfort of ground meat with aromatic Italian herbs, savory tomatoes, and tender beans. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and speed – you can whip up this hearty dish in just about 30 minutes, especially with a little bit of clever meal prep. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a bowl of pure comfort, this Italian Hamburger Stew is destined to become a new family favorite. It’s simple, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Hamburger Stew Recipe

This Italian Hamburger Stew stands out as a genuinely “no-fuss” ground beef dinner idea that effortlessly earns its place in your regular dinner rotation. Its charm lies in its straightforward preparation combined with a depth of flavor that usually takes hours to achieve. It’s an ideal solution for those evenings when you want something substantial and delicious without spending endless time in the kitchen.

The “Italian twist” is what truly elevates this humble hamburger stew. Instead of just ground meat and basic vegetables, we infuse it with the rich, savory notes of Italian sausage, the sweetness of stewed Italian tomatoes, and the earthy aroma of oregano. Cannellini beans add a creamy texture and extra protein, making each spoonful incredibly satisfying and nutritious. This fusion of classic American comfort with vibrant Italian flavors creates a unique and irresistible experience.

Beyond its delicious taste and easy preparation, this stew is also incredibly practical. It’s a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, yielding generous portions that are perfect for feeding a family or enjoying throughout the week. Should you find yourself with leftovers – though we doubt there will be many! – they can be conveniently stored in the fridge for several days, tasting even better as the flavors meld further. For longer storage, this stew freezes beautifully for a couple of months, making it an excellent freezer meal to have on hand for those extra busy days. Simply thaw, reheat, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal in minutes. It’s truly a flexible, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner solution for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients You Will Need for Italian Hamburger Stew

Creating this flavorful Italian Hamburger Stew requires a selection of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the stew’s hearty texture and distinctive Italian-inspired taste. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

Ground Beef: The foundation of our “hamburger stew,” 1 pound of ground beef provides a rich, meaty base. We recommend using a lean-to-medium fat content (80/20 or 85/15) for good flavor without excessive grease. Feel free to substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Bulk Mild Italian Sausage: This is where the “Italian twist” truly shines! Half a pound of mild Italian sausage adds a fantastic layer of savory, herb-infused flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can opt for hot Italian sausage. Remove it from its casing if purchased as links.
Chopped Onion: One cup of finely chopped onion forms the aromatic base of the stew. As it cooks with the meats, it softens and releases its sweet, pungent flavors, deepening the overall taste.
Cannellini Beans (White Kidney Beans): A 15-ounce can of drained cannellini beans contributes a creamy texture and a boost of protein and fiber. These white beans are a staple in Italian cuisine and absorb the flavors of the stew beautifully. Great Northern beans or navy beans can be used as alternatives.
Fresh Green Beans: Two cups of cut fresh green beans add vibrant color, a crisp-tender bite, and essential nutrients to the stew. If fresh aren’t available, frozen green beans work just as well; simply add them directly to the pot during simmering.
Italian Stewed Tomatoes: A 14.5-ounce can of Italian stewed tomatoes brings a sweet, tangy, and distinctly Italian tomato flavor to the broth. These are typically seasoned with herbs like oregano and basil, further enhancing the stew’s profile. Crushed tomatoes can be used for a smoother texture, or diced tomatoes for more chunkiness.
Vegetable Broth: 15 ounces of vegetable broth forms the liquid base of the stew, helping to meld all the flavors together. Chicken broth or beef broth can also be used if you prefer, depending on the richness you desire.
Tomato Paste: A 6-ounce can of tomato paste is a secret weapon for adding intense, concentrated tomato flavor and contributing to the stew’s body and richness without adding too much liquid.
Dried Oregano: Two teaspoons of dried oregano are crucial for the Italian flavor profile. Its earthy, slightly peppery notes are classic in Italian dishes and pair wonderfully with tomatoes and meat.
Salt and Pepper: One teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper are essential for seasoning the stew. Always taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking to ensure it’s perfectly balanced.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese serves as a delightful garnish, adding a salty, umami finish to each serving. Don’t skip this for an authentic Italian touch!

With these high-quality ingredients, you’re well on your way to preparing a truly memorable and comforting Italian Hamburger Stew.

How to Make Italian Hamburger Stew: A Step-by-Step Guide

These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious Italian Hamburger Stew. Follow along carefully to ensure perfect results every time. For a convenient printable version of the recipe, simply scroll down to the recipe card!

Brown the Meats and Onion: Begin by heating your chosen cooking vessel. In a large skillet or a sturdy Dutch oven, combine the ground beef, bulk mild Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook this mixture over medium heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it browns. Continue cooking until both the ground beef and sausage are no longer pink, and the onions have softened and become translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavors of your stew. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot; this prevents the stew from becoming oily and ensures a cleaner flavor.
Combine Remaining Ingredients: After draining the meat, it’s time to add the rest of the stew’s components to the pot. Incorporate the cannellini beans (drained), fresh cut green beans, canned Italian stewed tomatoes (undrained, to keep all their delicious juices), vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. Ensure the tomato paste is fully dissolved and distributed throughout the liquid. This step brings together all the key flavors and textures that will simmer into a cohesive and delightful stew.
Simmer to Perfection: Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it gently simmer for 20 minutes. This simmering time allows all the distinct flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and harmonious broth, and ensures the green beans cook to a tender-crisp perfection. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely inviting!
Serve and Garnish: Once the stew has simmered and is ready, carefully ladle generous portions into individual serving bowls. For an authentic Italian finish and an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle each bowl generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The warmth of the stew will slightly melt the cheese, adding a delightful creaminess. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Enhance your meal by serving this delicious Italian Hamburger Stew with your favorite sides that are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth. We highly recommend our homemade Italian bread, fluffy pull apart dinner rolls, or classic homemade biscuits!

Expert Tips & FAQs for Italian Hamburger Stew

To help you master this Italian Hamburger Stew and get it on the table even faster, here are some expert tips and answers to frequently asked questions:

Make-Ahead Tips for a 30-Minute Meal:

One of the best ways to achieve that 30-minute cook time is by doing a little prep work in advance. You can easily complete the following steps and refrigerate the components until you’re ready to cook:

Prepare the Green Beans: Wash, trim, and cut your fresh green beans ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This small step saves you precious minutes when you’re ready to cook.

Pre-Mix Tomato Ingredients: Combine the canned Italian stewed tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, and dried oregano in a bowl. Stir well and store this mixture in the fridge. Having this ready ensures a quick dump-and-stir step during cooking.

Brown the Meats and Onion: Cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off the fat thoroughly, then let the mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate until you’re ready to make the stew. This is arguably the biggest time-saver! When you’re ready, simply add this pre-browned mixture to your pot and proceed with adding the remaining ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use different types of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional for “hamburger stew,” you can certainly substitute it. Ground turkey or chicken would make a lighter version, and if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, a plant-based ground meat alternative would work wonderfully. Just be mindful that cooking times and flavor might vary slightly.

Q: How can I make this stew spicier?
A: If you love a little heat, swap out the mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes when you add the dried oregano, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end of cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have cannellini beans?
A: No problem! Great Northern beans, navy beans, or even kidney beans would be excellent substitutes for cannellini beans. Each will offer a slightly different texture and subtle flavor, but all will work well in this stew.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Definitely! This stew is very forgiving. Diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach (added in the last few minutes of simmering) would be delicious additions. Just be aware that adding more vegetables might slightly increase the cooking time or require a bit more broth.

Q: How do I adjust the consistency of the stew?
A: If you prefer a thinner stew, you can add a little more vegetable broth, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If you want a thicker stew, you can either simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew and cook until thickened.

Q: How long can I store leftovers and how do I reheat them?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through, until hot.

Hearty, delicious, simple, and comforting. That’s Italian hamburger stew in a nutshell! I hope these tips enhance your cooking experience and that you thoroughly enjoy every spoonful of this wonderful recipe.

More Comforting Stew Recipes to Explore

If you loved this Italian Hamburger Stew, you’re in for a treat! Stuffed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, stews are the ultimate comfort food. Here are some more fantastic stew recipes from our collection that we think you’ll adore:

Crockpot Beef Stew

Homemade Goulash

Slow Cooker Hungarian Goulash & Noodles

Crockpot Beef Burgundy

Beef Carbonnade

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Italian Hamburger Stew

Hearty, delicious, simple and comforting. This hamburger stew has an Italian twist and is delicious served with warm bread!

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: 6 people

40 minutes

Calories: 478

Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

▢ 1 lb ground beef

▢ ½ lb bulk mild Italian sausage

▢ 1 cup chopped onion

▢ 15 oz cannellini beans or white kidney beans, drained

▢ 2 cups cut fresh green beans

▢ 14.5 oz Italian stewed tomatoes

▢ 15 oz vegetable broth

▢ 6 oz tomato paste

▢ 2 tsp dried oregano

▢ 1 tsp salt

▢ ½ tsp pepper

▢ ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Things You’ll Need

▢
5 qt Dutch oven

▢
Ladle

▢
Serving bowls

Before You Begin

If you would like to make some things ahead of time I suggest doing the following and refrigerating them until ready to cook:

Trim and cut up the green beans

Combine the canned tomatoes, tomato paste and oregano

Brown the ground beef, Italian sausage and onion, drain

Instructions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage and chopped onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and onions are softened; drain off any excess fat.

Add the drained cannellini beans, cut fresh green beans, Italian stewed tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Bring the stew to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle generously with shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 478cal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 1657mg | Potassium: 856mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1026IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 214mg | Iron: 6mg

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.

This post was originally called Italian Stew and first appeared here on Oct 9, 2008. It has since been updated with new photos and tips and the name has changed to Italian Hamburger Stew to better reflect its ingredients and flavors.