Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

Description

Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew is a hearty, comforting meal made with ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and savory herbs simmered together in a rich, flavorful broth. This easy crockpot recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a satisfying family dinner with very little hands-on preparation. As the stew cooks slowly, the vegetables soften, the beef absorbs the seasonings, and the broth develops a delicious homemade flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or weekend family meals, this hamburger stew is budget-friendly, filling, and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables. Serve it with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or crackers for a warm and comforting meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients For the Hamburger Stew

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 medium carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 4 cups beef broth, preferably low-sodium

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1 bay leaf

For Thickening (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons cold water

For Garnishing

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary. Browning adds flavor and helps prevent excess grease from collecting in the stew.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and prepare the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Cut the potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Place the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Beef and Tomatoes

Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato paste. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients throughout the vegetables.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the thyme, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the bay leaf and stir everything together. Make sure the ingredients remain within the slow cooker’s recommended fill level.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The stew is ready when the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender and the flavors have blended together. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the vegetables and your slow cooker.

Step 6: Add the Peas

Stir in the frozen peas during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking. This allows them to heat through while retaining their color and texture. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 7: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the mixture into the stew during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the broth to thicken. If the stew is already thick enough, skip this step.

Step 8: Taste and Serve

Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Notes

• Brown the beef first: This adds a deeper, richer flavor and allows you to drain excess fat before slow cooking.

• Cut vegetables evenly: Similar-sized pieces cook more consistently.

• Choose sturdy potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well, while russet potatoes create a softer, thicker texture.

• Adjust the consistency: Add a little extra broth for a thinner stew or use the optional cornstarch mixture for a thicker result.

• Add more vegetables: Green beans, corn, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers make delicious additions.

• Control the salt: Low-sodium beef broth gives you more control over the seasoning.

• Store leftovers safely: Refrigerate in shallow, airtight containers within two hours and consume within 3–4 days.

• Freeze for later: Freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen ground beef?

Thaw the ground beef safely in the refrigerator before cooking. Brown it in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I skip browning the beef?

Browning is recommended for better flavor and to remove excess fat. It also helps ensure the ground beef is cooked before it enters the slow cooker.

Why is my hamburger stew too thin?

Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the final 15–20 minutes. You can also mash a few cooked potato pieces into the broth to thicken it naturally.

What should I serve with hamburger stew?

Crusty bread, cornbread, dinner rolls, crackers, or a fresh green salad are all excellent choices.

Servings and Nutrition

Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH Estimated Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes on LOW Estimated Nutrition Per Serving:

• Calories: 350–450

• Protein: 23–30 g

• Carbohydrates: 30–40 g

• Fat: 14–22 g

• Fiber: 4–6 g

• Sodium: 500–850 mg Nutrition information is approximate and varies depending on the ground beef, broth, vegetable sizes, and optional thickener used.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew is a simple, satisfying recipe that brings together ground beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory tomato broth in one convenient pot. With minimal preparation and flexible ingredients, it is perfect for busy evenings when you want a warm homemade meal. Make a batch for dinner, enjoy the leftovers for lunch, and customize it with your family’s favorite vegetables and seasonings.