Crockpot Ground Beef Stew

This slow-cooked ground beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chunks of potatoes, carrots, and celery simmer in a rich, flavorful broth with browned ground beef and aromatic herbs. Every spoonful delivers warmth and satisfaction, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home.

What makes this dish special is its ease and adaptability. You can swap in seasonal vegetables, adjust spices to your taste, or even add a touch of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Whether served with crusty bread, over rice, or on its own, this hearty stew is a go-to recipe for nourishing meals that everyone will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 4 cups beef broth

• 4 medium potatoes, diced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

2. Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.

3. Transfer the beef mixture to a crockpot.

4. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.

6. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in frozen peas.

7. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water and stir into the crockpot 20-30 minutes before serving.

8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food, combining rich flavors, tender vegetables, and hearty ground beef into a meal that warms both body and soul. This dish has become a staple for families looking for a simple, filling dinner that doesn’t require hours of active cooking. Using a slow cooker, the flavors of the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a savory stew that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The aroma of the stew as it cooks fills your home, promising a meal that is both satisfying and wholesome.

Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a cozy weekend lunch, this stew is versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime. Ground beef provides a robust flavor base and cooks quickly compared to larger beef cuts, making it ideal for a weeknight meal. Paired with classic stew vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery, the dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family.

Why Crockpot Ground Beef Stew Works So Well

The beauty of a crockpot stew lies in its simplicity. Ground beef is an accessible and affordable protein that absorbs the flavors of the herbs, spices, and broth perfectly. Cooking in a slow cooker allows the beef to remain tender while the vegetables soften to a perfect consistency. The long, slow simmer ensures a rich and hearty broth that brings every ingredient together in harmony.

Unlike traditional stews that require constant attention and stirring, a crockpot stew allows you to set it and forget it. This convenience is particularly valuable for busy families, students, or anyone looking to prepare a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking process also enhances the depth of flavors, making each bite more satisfying than the last.

Flavor Profiles and Customization

Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is incredibly versatile. While the classic version features potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and a rich broth, there’s plenty of room to personalize the flavors. Adding herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves brings an earthy aroma to the stew, while paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can provide a subtle depth and complexity. For those who enjoy a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne can be incorporated without overpowering the dish.

Vegetables can also be swapped according to seasonality or preference. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, green beans, or peas can be added for variety, texture, and color. The stew can also be made heartier with the addition of barley, lentils, or rice, turning it into a filling one-pot meal perfect for lunchboxes or meal prep.

Health Benefits

Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is not just comforting; it’s also nutritious. Ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12, which are important for energy and maintaining healthy red blood cells. The vegetables contribute fiber, antioxidants, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and digestion.

By preparing the stew at home, you control the ingredients and can limit excessive salt, sugar, or additives often found in store-bought meals. Choosing lean ground beef or adding more vegetables can further increase the nutritional value while keeping the dish flavorful. For families seeking balanced meals, this stew strikes the perfect harmony between taste and health.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is best served warm and fresh from the slow cooker. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad for a complete meal. For an even heartier dinner, it can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, absorbing the rich broth and providing extra comfort. Leftovers are equally delicious and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

For a more elevated presentation, garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a touch of grated cheese can add a finishing touch, turning a simple stew into a more indulgent dish suitable for entertaining or special family occasions.

Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Ground Beef Stew

1. Brown the beef first: While optional, browning ground beef before adding it to the crockpot adds extra flavor and depth.
2. Don’t overcook the vegetables: Add softer vegetables like peas toward the end of cooking to maintain their color and texture.
3. Adjust seasoning gradually: Slow cooking can mellow flavors, so taste the stew near the end and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs accordingly.
4. Thickening options: If you prefer a thicker stew, cornstarch, flour, or instant mashed potato flakes can be used without affecting the taste.
5. Make ahead: The stew can be prepared the night before and cooked the next day for even deeper flavors.

Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser

Families and guests alike love Crockpot Ground Beef Stew because it is comforting, hearty, and incredibly versatile. It works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults. Its adaptability allows for dietary modifications, such as low-sodium or gluten-free versions, making it an inclusive dish for diverse dietary needs.

The stew’s presentation is also appealing: a colorful array of vegetables nestled in a savory broth, topped with fresh herbs, makes it visually inviting. Its aroma fills the home during cooking, creating anticipation for the delicious meal to come.

Conclusion

Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is a timeless comfort dish that combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Its versatility allows home cooks to experiment with different vegetables, spices, and even grains, while the slow-cooked process ensures every bite is tender and flavorful. This stew is perfect for any occasion from simple weeknight dinners to special family gatherings and offers a satisfying, hearty meal that is both nourishing and delicious.

Whether you are new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Easy to prepare, customizable, and deeply comforting, Crockpot Ground Beef Stew embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness and is sure to delight anyone who sits down to enjoy it.