This stovetop 5-ingredient ground beef Farnsworth is the kind of simple, filling supper that stretches a pound of beef into a cozy meal for the whole table. It has that old-fashioned budget-cooking charm, with tender potatoes, browned beef, and a savory broth that comes together in one pot without any fuss. Recipes like this have been passed around family kitchens for generations because they are practical, comforting, and made from pantry basics.
Serve this hearty dish with buttered bread, saltine crackers, or warm biscuits to soak up the broth. If you want to round it out a little more, a side of green beans, cooked carrots, or a simple tossed salad fits nicely and keeps the meal feeling balanced without adding much extra work.
Stovetop 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Farnsworth
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size chunks
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can condensed tomato soup
3 cups water
Directions
1. Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion has softened, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off excess grease if needed.
2. Stir in the chopped potatoes, condensed tomato soup, and water until everything is well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the potatoes are very tender and the broth is slightly thickened.
4. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if desired, then ladle into bowls or serve straight from the pot while hot.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: Dice the potatoes a little smaller so they soften quickly and blend more into the broth. You can also mash a few pieces right in the pot at the end to make the texture thicker and smoother.
Make it more flavorful: Even though the base recipe is wonderfully simple, a pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika can wake it up nicely if you have those on hand. Add seasonings gradually and taste as you go.
Stretch it further: If you need to feed a few extra people, add an extra potato and a little more water. Let it simmer a few minutes longer so the broth still has good flavor.
Swap the soup: If tomato soup is not your family's favorite, condensed cream of mushroom soup gives the dish a different but still cozy feel. The result will be creamier and a little milder.
Leftover tip: Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water if the broth thickens too much. This is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day.