German Farmer’s Stew (Bauerntopf)

💡 At a Glance

  • The Dish: A hearty, cozy classic packed with tender potatoes, fresh veggies, and savory ground beef.
  • Prep Time: Quick and totally hassle-free—plus, it makes amazing leftovers for the next day!
  • How It’s Made: The veggies simmer to perfection in the Thermomix® while you brown the ground beef right in a skillet.

Today, we’re making an absolute classic: traditional German Bauerntopf (a cozy ground beef and potato stew).

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a fresh, delicious, and comforting dinner on the table.

In my easy step-by-step guide, I’ll show you just how effortlessly this comes together so you can whip up a mouthwatering bowl of Bauerntopf right at home!

A white bowl of hearty German farmer's stew, garnished with a dollop of crème fraîche and fresh parsley.

What is Bauerntopf (German Farmer’s Stew)?

Bauerntopf is a classic, hearty German stew that’s as easy to make as it is versatile. Packed with colorful veggies, tender potatoes, and seasoned ground beef, it’s the ultimate hassle-free meal when you want something cozy and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Stew:

  • Quick and simple to throw together on a busy weeknight.
  • Super flavorful and a total hit with the whole family.
  • An everyday comfort food favorite.
  • Your ticket to a cozy, satisfying homemade dinner.
  • A foolproof recipe that turns out great, even for beginner cooks!
A hand using a spoon to scoop a portion of farmer's stew from a white bowl.

My Top Recipe Tips

Finish with fresh herbs at the end for a bright, vibrant burst of flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different potato varieties to switch things up (Yukon Golds work amazingly well!).

This stew is fantastic for meal prep—it actually tastes even better reheated the next day as the flavors meld together!

Can You Make It Ahead and Store Leftovers?

Absolutely! Bauerntopf stores like a dream. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days.

Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave whenever hunger strikes!

Delicious Variations

Looking for a meatless option? Swap in your favorite plant-based ground meat for a delicious vegetarian twist!

Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes if you want to add a lovely touch of sweetness.

What to Serve with This Dish

Serve your farmer’s stew with a piece of fresh, crusty baguette or a crisp green salad for a delicious, well-balanced meal.

A white bowl filled with German farmer's stew, surrounded by fresh veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

A close-up shot of a white bowl filled with hearty Bauerntopf stew.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bauerntopf

  • 2 yellow onions
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 carrots
  • 20 g olive oil (about 1.5 tbsp)
  • 500 g potatoes (about 1.1 lbs), diced
  • 2 red bell peppers
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 400 ml vegetable broth (or 400 ml water + 2 tsp vegetable broth concentrate)
  • 1 tsp each salt, dried marjoram, and Herbes de Provence
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 2 pinches freshly ground black pepper
  • 300 g (about 10 oz) ground beef (or a beef and pork blend)

To Serve:

  • Crème fraîche (or sour cream)
  • fresh parsley

Note: You’ll find the exact measurements and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below.

Eine Collage der Zubereitungsschritte für Bauerntopf.
Preparation steps for Bauerntopf 1/2
Eine Collage der Zubereitungsschritte für Bauerntopf.
Preparation steps for Bauerntopf 2/2

How to Make Bauerntopf

Instructions:

Peel and quarter the onions. Peel and halve the garlic cloves.

Peel the carrots and cut them into rough chunks.

Add everything to the mixing bowl and chop for 5 sec / speed 6.

Add the oil and sauté for 3 min / 120°C (250°F) / speed 1.

Meanwhile, wash and seed the bell peppers, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Peel and dice the potatoes.
Then add the rest of the ingredients (except for the ground beef) to the mixing bowl and cook for 25 min / 100°C (212°F) / Reverse / speed 1.

Note: Make sure the potatoes are completely submerged in the liquid.

While that cooks, add the ground beef to a hot skillet, season with salt and pepper, and brown it, breaking it up as it cooks.

After 25 minutes, check the potatoes to see if they’re fork-tender.

Depending on the type of potato and how big you cut the pieces, they might need an extra couple of minutes to cook through until tender.

Finally, give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Stir in the browned ground beef using a wooden spoon.

Ladle into warm bowls and top each serving with a tablespoon of crème fraîche and some fresh parsley.

Enjoy!

Note: You’ll find the full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions down in the recipe card below.

A close-up shot of a white bowl filled with German farmer's stew.

The listed prep and cook times are average estimates.

Happy cooking!

If you loved this recipe, you might also like my easy beef goulash with bell peppers 🙂

Best,
Christoph

PS: Don’t want to miss a single recipe? Come follow along on Pinterest or Instagram

Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed it, please leave me a comment below and give it a 5-star rating! 🙂

Eine weiße Schale mit Bauerntopf, garniert mit einem Klecks Crème fraîche und Petersilie.

Eine weiße Schale mit Bauerntopf, garniert mit einem Klecks Crème fraîche und Petersilie.

Rustic German Farmer’s Stew (Bauerntopf)

Simple, quick, and completely delicious—this hearty German Farmer’s Stew is the ultimate cozy meal for any night of the week!
Author: Christoph
Noch keine Bewertungen

Click stars to rate now

Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 25 minutes
Cuisine German
Servings 3
Calories 530 kcal

Zutaten
  

  • 2 Onions
  • 1 Garlic clove
  • 2 Carrots
  • 20 g Olive oil
  • 500 g Potatoes diced
  • 2 Red bell peppers
  • 1 Dose Diced tomatoes 400 g canned
  • 400 ml Vegetable stock or 400 ml water + 2 tsp vegetable bouillon base
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Marjoram
  • 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
  • ½ tsp Smoked paprika Alternative: Sweet paprika
  • 2 Prisen Black pepper
  • 300 g Ground meat Beef/pork blend or all-beef

For garnish:

  • Crème fraîche
  • Fresh parsley

Zubereitung
 

  • Peel and quarter the onions. Peel and halve the garlic. Peel the carrots and cut into rough chunks. Add everything to the mixing bowl and chop 5 sec / speed 6.
  • Add the oil and sauté 3 min / 120°C / speed 1.
  • In the meantime, wash, core, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes.
  • Next, add all remaining ingredients except the ground meat to the mixing bowl and cook 25 min / 100°C / reverse mode / speed 1.
  • Note: Make sure the potatoes are completely covered by liquid.
  • Meanwhile, add the ground meat to a hot skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbled.
  • After 25 minutes, check the potatoes for doneness. Depending on the potato variety and size of your dice, they might need a few extra minutes to turn fork-tender.
  • Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if desired. Add the cooked ground meat to the bowl and stir it in using a wooden spoon.
  • Ladle into cozy bowls and finish with a dollop of crème fraîche and fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Feel free to toss in extra veggies or potatoes! Just be sure to adjust the water accordingly—the potatoes should always be fully submerged in liquid.
Sweet corn and white beans are also super tasty additions! Add them through the lid opening during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serve piping hot with fresh crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping!
Keywords Stew
Did you try this recipe?Mention @Thermokoch.de in Instagram or tag #thermokoch
Eine weiße Schale mit Bauerntopf, garniert mit einem Klecks Crème fraîche und Petersilie.

Rustic German Farmer's Stew (Bauerntopf)

Simple, quick, and completely delicious—this hearty German Farmer's Stew is the ultimate cozy meal for any night of the week!
Author: Christoph
Noch keine Bewertungen

Click stars to rate now

Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 25 minutes
Cuisine German
Servings 3
Calories 530 kcal

Zutaten
  

  • 2 Onions
  • 1 Garlic clove
  • 2 Carrots
  • 20 g Olive oil
  • 500 g Potatoes diced
  • 2 Red bell peppers
  • 1 Dose Diced tomatoes 400 g canned
  • 400 ml Vegetable stock or 400 ml water + 2 tsp vegetable bouillon base
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Marjoram
  • 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
  • ½ tsp Smoked paprika Alternative: Sweet paprika
  • 2 Prisen Black pepper
  • 300 g Ground meat Beef/pork blend or all-beef

For garnish:

  • Crème fraîche
  • Fresh parsley

Zubereitung
 

  • Peel and quarter the onions. Peel and halve the garlic. Peel the carrots and cut into rough chunks. Add everything to the mixing bowl and chop 5 sec / speed 6.
  • Add the oil and sauté 3 min / 120°C / speed 1.
  • In the meantime, wash, core, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes.
  • Next, add all remaining ingredients except the ground meat to the mixing bowl and cook 25 min / 100°C / reverse mode / speed 1.
  • Note: Make sure the potatoes are completely covered by liquid.
  • Meanwhile, add the ground meat to a hot skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbled.
  • After 25 minutes, check the potatoes for doneness. Depending on the potato variety and size of your dice, they might need a few extra minutes to turn fork-tender.
  • Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if desired. Add the cooked ground meat to the bowl and stir it in using a wooden spoon.
  • Ladle into cozy bowls and finish with a dollop of crème fraîche and fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Feel free to toss in extra veggies or potatoes! Just be sure to adjust the water accordingly—the potatoes should always be fully submerged in liquid.
Sweet corn and white beans are also super tasty additions! Add them through the lid opening during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serve piping hot with fresh crusty bread or a warm baguette for dipping!
Keywords Stew
Did you try this recipe?Mention @Thermokoch.de in Instagram or tag #thermokoch

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