Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, celery, and a savory broth come together in the slow cooker to create a rich and satisfying stew.
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready with minimal effort—just toss everything in and let it simmer.
The flavors meld beautifully as it cooks, creating a dish that feels like it’s been simmering on the stovetop all day.
Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a cozy, filling meal the whole family will love!
Why You’re Gonna Love This Dish
When you plunge into this Crockpot Ground Beef Stew, you’ll immediately appreciate how effortlessly it combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients.
The tender chunks of ground beef meld beautifully with vibrant carrots and creamy potatoes, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Each spoonful bursts with the deep, savory essence of garlic and onion, enhanced by a hint of thyme that lingers on your palate.
As the stew simmers, the aroma wafts through your kitchen, making it impossible to resist.
This stew isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a cold day, a dish that invites you to gather around the table with loved ones.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll crave it again and again.
Preparation Tips
Getting started on your Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is easier than you might think. First, gather your ingredients—fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions bring color and flavor.
I love to chop them into bite-sized pieces, making them perfect for hearty bites. Next, brown your ground beef in a skillet for that rich, savory taste; this step really amps up the stew’s flavor.
Don’t forget to season it well with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Once everything’s prepped, layer the ingredients in your crockpot, starting with the beef and ending with the veggies.
This way, the flavors meld beautifully as they cook. Trust me, these prep tips set the stage for a delightful meal!
Recipe & Cooking Instructions
Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. It combines the rich flavors of ground beef with a variety of vegetables and seasonings, all simmered together in a slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just throw all the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work for you. The result is a deliciously thick and flavorful stew that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
This stew isn’t only satisfying but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to your liking. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish serves 4-6 people, making it an ideal choice for gatherings. With minimal prep time and the slow cooking process, you’ll have a delightful meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Cooking Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks to guarantee even browning. This step is essential as it adds depth of flavor to the stew. Once browned, drain the excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is browning, wash and chop the potatoes, carrots, and onion. Adding a variety of vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional value to the dish. Place the chopped vegetables into the crockpot along with the browned beef.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be the base of your stew, so verify everything is well combined before pouring it over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Cook the Stew: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender. Stir occasionally if possible, to guarantee even cooking.
- Add Frozen Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, if using, stir in the frozen peas. They add a pop of color and sweetness to the stew. Continue to cook on high for the remaining time until the peas are heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the stew is finished cooking, give it a good stir and taste for seasoning adjustments. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread or over rice.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the broth mixture. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as paprika or bay leaves, to customize the flavor profile of your stew. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Enjoy the convenience and warmth of this comforting dish!
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Although I’ve shared the basics of making a delicious Crockpot Ground Beef Stew, there are plenty of ways to elevate this dish and make it uniquely yours.
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine or a spoonful of tomato paste to deepen the stew’s complexity.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and color.
If you want a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Don’t forget about herbs! Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the aroma.
Finally, consider using different meats or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
These simple variations can transform your stew into something special every time you make it.
Serving Suggestions
When serving my Crockpot Ground Beef Stew, I love to create a warm and inviting presentation that makes the dish even more appealing. I usually ladle the stew into deep, rustic bowls, allowing the hearty ingredients to spill over the edges a bit.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a vibrant green contrast, making it visually enticing. I like to serve it alongside crusty bread or buttery rolls, perfect for dipping and soaking up all that rich broth.
Sometimes, I’ll include a side salad with crisp greens to balance the meal. Finally, I always offer a glass of red wine, which complements the stew beautifully and enhances the overall dining experience.
It’s all about creating that cozy atmosphere!
Presentation Tips
To elevate the presentation of my Ground Beef Stew, I focus on both the dish and the setting.
First, I choose a rustic, wide-brimmed bowl that complements the hearty nature of the stew. I ladle the rich, savory stew into the bowl, ensuring a mix of tender beef and vibrant vegetables is visible. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
For the setting, I lay a wooden serving board underneath the bowl and surround it with crusty bread and a small dish of butter.
Soft, warm lighting enhances the inviting atmosphere, making the meal feel special. With these touches, my Ground Beef Stew becomes a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Nutritional Info & Health Benefits
After you’ve enjoyed the beautifully presented Ground Beef Stew, it’s time to appreciate its nutritional value and health benefits.
This hearty dish is packed with protein from the ground beef, which supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer. The colorful vegetables—carrots, potatoes, and peas—add essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A and potassium, crucial for your overall well-being.
Plus, the slow-cooking process enhances flavors while preserving nutrients. Each spoonful offers fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut.
Final Thoughts
Often, I find myself reflecting on the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of Ground Beef Stew. The aroma wafting through my kitchen as it simmers in the crockpot is pure magic.
Each spoonful delivers tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth that wraps around me like a cozy blanket. I appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together, allowing me to embrace the day while it cooks to perfection.
It’s a meal that brings friends and family together, sparking conversations and laughter over its delicious warmth. Plus, the leftovers are a delightful treat, often tasting even better the next day.
