Farmer's Stew with Minced Meat and Potatoes - Hearty, Rustic, and Full of Flavor
A stew like Grandma's - but better!
There are recipes that transport us straight back to another time. The scent of onions wafting from the kitchen, the gentle bubbling in the pot as potatoes slowly cook until tender, and that moment when you take the first spoonful of a hot, hearty stew - that's childhood. Home. Warmth. My Farmer's Stew with Minced Meat and Potatoes is just such a dish.
This simple yet incredibly delicious dish combines rustic down-to-earthness with aromatic depth. It's hearty, warming, and so uncomplicated that you can easily conjure it up even on a busy weekday.
What is a Bauerntopf (farmer's pot)?
The Bauerntopf (farmer's pot) is a classic minced meat and potato stew from German home cooking. It combines simple ingredients like minced meat, potatoes, peppers, and carrots into a hearty dish that's especially popular in autumn and winter— but also in spring after a long walk, it's simply good.
It's particularly popular because it:
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is truly filling,
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is easy to prepare and heat up,
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is perfect for families and guests,
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and, thanks to its versatility, can be varied again and again.
Ingredients for 4 hungry people People
Main ingredients:
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800 g potatoes (waxy or mostly waxy)
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3 bell peppers (e.g., mixed red, yellow, and green for color depth)
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1 onion
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2 garlic cloves
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500 g ground beef
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400 g chopped tomatoes (canned)
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2 tbsp Tomato paste
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2 tbsp red wine vinegar
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400 ml beef broth
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3 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or frozen)
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2 tbsp paprika powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil for frying
Preparation - Step by Step
Preparation time: approx. 20 minutes
Cooking time: approx. 30 minutes
Total time: approx. 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty level: Easy
1. Preparation is everything
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Peel and wash the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
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De-seed the bell pepper and dice them as well.
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Finely chop the onion and garlic.
Tip: If you're in a hurry, you can also use frozen, pre-chopped soup vegetables - this saves time and effort.
2. Sauté & Build Flavors
Heat the olive oil in a large pot. First, sear the ground meat until it's nicely crumbly and lightly browned. Then add the onion, garlic, and paprika and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
3. Season and deglaze
Now stir in the tomato paste and sauté briefly—this will allow it to develop its sweetness. Then deglaze with the red wine vinegar and simmer for about a minute. This adds depth and a slight acidity to the dish.
4. Add everything to the pot.
Add the prepared potatoes to the pot. Then stir in the chopped tomatoes, stock, parsley, and paprika.
Now mix everything well, bring to a boil, and then simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Tip: The stew should be creamy, but not too thick—you can add a little more water or stock if needed.
5. Season to taste & Serve
When the potatoes are cooked, season with salt and pepper. If you like it a little spicier, you can add a pinch of chili or smoked paprika.
Serving suggestions
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Small dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream on top for even more creaminess.
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A piece of fresh farmhouse bread or baguette for dipping the sauce goes perfectly with it.
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For children, keep it mild – If you like it spicier, add chili oil or hot mustard.
Variations for every taste
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Vegetarian: Replace the minced meat with fried lentils, tofu, or soy granules.
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With carrots: For an even more rustic touch, cook 2-3 additional carrots.
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With leeks: Leeks add a gentle sweetness to the dish – Add finely chopped potatoes and sauté.
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With cream: For a creamier version, you can stir in a dash of cream at the end.
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Low carb: Replace potatoes with diced celery or zucchini – but then shorten the cooking time.
Nutritional values per serving (approx.)
Nutritional value | Amount |
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Calories | 541 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 48 g |
Protein | 29 g |
Fat | 26 g |
Meal Prep & Storage
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The farmer's pot is excellent to prepare.
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It will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and becomes even more aromatic when reheated.
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You can also freeze it – ideal for busy days. Simply divide it into portions and store it in the freezer.
Recipe card for saving & Print
Rustic Farmhouse Stew with Minced Beef and Potatoes
Ingredients:
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800 g Potatoes
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3 Bell Peppers
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1 Onion
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2 Garlic Cloves
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1 tbsp Olive Oil
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500 g Ground Beef
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2 tbsp Tomato Paste
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2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
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400 ml Beef broth
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400 g chopped tomatoes
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3 tbsp chopped parsley
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2 tbsp paprika powder
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Salt, pepper
Preparation:
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Prepare the vegetables. Dice the potatoes.
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Heat the oil and fry the minced meat.
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Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers and fry.
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Stir in the tomato paste and deglaze with vinegar.
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Add the potatoes, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
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Simmer for 30 minutes, season to taste, and serve.
❤️ Conclusion
The Farmer's Pot with Minced Meat and Potatoes is a true all-rounder: easy to prepare, delicious Aromatic, filling, and perfect for the whole family. It not only brings warmth to the table, but also a little piece of home—no matter where you are.