Sure, sure, it’s just another beef stew –or is it? Think of the following recipe as a sort of Japanese chili: a meaty blend of ground beef and root vegetables tied together, and uplifted, by reducing ginger, soy sauce, and sugar down with the meat. Hearty, sure, but it also has depth and quite a bit of umami–which you can’t say about most stews or chilis. Your kid(s) will instinctively get it, even if they don’t know quite what makes it so tasty.
Ingredients Overview
This Japanese ginger beef stew uses simple, toddler-friendly ingredients like ground beef, russet potato, baby carrots, and a savory ginger-soy broth that softens into comfort food perfection. The mild sweetness from brown sugar balances the umami of soy sauce, making it a dish both kids and adults can enjoy together.
Steps Summary
Start by browning beef and aromatics, then build flavor with garlic-ginger paste before adding potatoes, carrots, broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer covered until vegetables are tender, then serve in cozy bowls on its own or alongside soft rice.
FAQ
What makes this stew kid-friendly?
The vegetables and beef are cut into small, soft pieces, and the ginger-soy sauce base is mellowed with just a touch of brown sugar so it’s flavorful without being spicy or overwhelming.
Between the broth and soy sauce, is it salty?
No. Full-flavored? Yes. But noticeably less salt-forward than, say, ramen or miso soup. Add a sprinkle of brown sugar to your child’s bowl if you’re worried about how full-bodied the beef stew is.
Can I serve this with rice?
Absolutely — this stew pairs beautifully with a simple side of The Most Perfect Toddler Rice Recipe that’s soft and easy to eat.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes — add finely diced veggies like peas or soft green beans in the last few minutes of cooking to increase color and nutrition without changing texture.
Recipe Links
What to Serve With Japanese Ginger Beef Stew
- Vegetable Pancake for Kids — crispy, veggie-packed pancakes that add a fun contrast to the savory stew.
- The Most Perfect Toddler Rice Recipe — soft, toddler-friendly rice that soaks up the stew’s broth perfectly.
- Easy Cucumber and Avocado Salad for Kids — a cool, creamy salad to lighten up the meal.
More Toddler-Friendly Recipes Like This
- Ground Beef Donburi — another savory ground beef dish with familiar flavors and quick prep.
- Baby Bulgogi — Korean-inspired sweet-savory beef your kid will dive into.
- Toddler Chili — A tasty bowl of red in under 20 minutes.
And check out all of our great toddler ground beef recipes!
Kid-Friendly Ginger Beef Stew (One-Pot Dinner)
Description
This Japanese ginger beef stew is a savory, umami-rich blend of ground beef, potatoes, and carrots simmered with soy sauce and ginger. It eats like a cozy chili and is especially appealing to kids thanks to its familiar texture and mild sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep
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Peel the potato, then chop into small cubes. Dice the carrots into small coins. If using, chop the onion into small pieces.
Cook
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Coat the bottom of a pot or dutch oven with neutral cooking oil and heat to Medium; add in onions (if using), carrots, and ground beef, stirring and chopping as it heats. Cook until the beef is browned on the outside, about two minutes.
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Add in the ginger garlic paste and mix. Cook mix for another minute, stirring often.
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Add in potatoes, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ½ cup of water; raise heat to High and bring contents of the pot to a boil.
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Once boiling, reduce heat to Low and cover the pot. You’ve got two options to finish:
- for a soupier version, cook on Low for roughly 20 minutes.
- For more of a saute or stir fry: cook on Low for ten minutes, then raise heat to Medium and cook until most of the liquid in the pot evaporates, roughly 6 minutes.
Serve
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While you can plate this atop or beside rice, it eats like chili, so don’t hesitate to serve it as is in a bowl. If you’ve cooked down the liquid, you could also put it on a bun and call it something like a sloppy joe.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
Serving Size small bowl of beef and vegetables
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 275kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Protein 18g36%
- Vitamin A 260 IU
- Calcium 11 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Niacin 5.6 mg
- Vitamin B12 2.1 mcg
- Phosphorus 190 mg
- Zinc 4.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
