💡 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!
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!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ingredients You’ll Need for Bauerntopf
- 2 yellow onions
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 carrots
- 20 g (approx. 0.5 oz) olive oil (about 1.5 tbsp)
- 500 g (approx. 17.5 oz) potatoes (about 1.1 lbs), diced
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g (approx. 14 oz)) diced tomatoes
- 400 ml (approx. 13.5 fl oz) vegetable broth (or 400 ml (approx. 13.5 fl oz) 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 (approx. 10.5 oz) (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.
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 (210°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.
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
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Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed it, please leave me a comment below and give it a 5-star rating! 🙂
Rustic German Farmer's Stew (Bauerntopf)
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Start cookingIngredients
- 2 Onions
- 1 Garlic clove
- 2 Carrots
- 20 g Olive oil (approx. 0.5 oz)
- 500 g Potatoes diced (approx. 17.5 oz)
- 2 Red bell peppers
- 1 Dose Diced tomatoes 400 g (approx. 14 oz) canned
- 400 ml Vegetable stock or 400 ml (approx. 13.5 fl oz) water + 2 tsp vegetable bouillon base (approx. 13.5 fl oz)
- 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 (approx. 10.5 oz)
For garnish:
- Crème fraîche
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- 2 Onions, 1 Garlic clove, 2 CarrotsPeel 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.
- 20 g (approx. 0.5 oz) Olive oilAdd the oil and sauté 3 min / 120°C (250°F) / speed 1.
- 500 g (approx. 17.5 oz) Potatoes, 2 Red bell peppersIn the meantime, wash, core, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes.
- 1 Dose Diced tomatoes, 400 ml (approx. 13.5 fl oz) Vegetable stock, 1 tsp Salt, ½ tsp Smoked paprika, 2 Prisen Black pepper, 1 tsp Herbs de Provence, 1 tsp MarjoramNext, add all remaining ingredients except the ground meat to the mixing bowl and cook 25 min / 100°C (210°F) / reverse mode / speed 1.
- 500 g (approx. 17.5 oz) PotatoesNote: Make sure the potatoes are completely covered by liquid.
- 1 tsp Salt, 2 Prisen Black pepper, 300 g (approx. 10.5 oz) Ground meatMeanwhile, add the ground meat to a hot skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbled.
- 500 g (approx. 17.5 oz) PotatoesAfter 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.
- 300 g (approx. 10.5 oz) Ground meatGive 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.
- Crème fraîche, Fresh parsleyLadle into cozy bowls and finish with a dollop of crème fraîche and fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
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!
