Are you searching for an incredibly satisfying and simple meal solution? This hearty ground beef crockpot recipe is your answer. It’s a delicious, comforting stew that practically cooks itself, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love the rich flavors and the minimal effort required to bring this family-favorite dinner to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Crockpot Recipe
You’ll quickly discover why this ground beef crockpot recipe will become a staple in your home:
- Effortless & Minimal Hands-On Time: Simply prep a few ingredients, brown your beef, and let your slow cooker do all the hard work.
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: Slow cooking allows the savory broth, tender beef, and vegetables to meld into a deeply satisfying stew.
- Hearty & Complete Meal: Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish is a nourishing meal all on its own.
- Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most of the items on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Easy Cleanup: It’s mostly a one-pot wonder, simplifying your post-dinner routine.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Enjoy leftovers for days, or freeze portions for quick future meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this fantastic ground beef crockpot recipe starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
To ensure the best and safest outcome for your meal, it’s vital to follow proper guidelines for selecting and preparing ground beef. Learn more about safe ground beef handling practices.
- Ground Beef: 1 lb. lean ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor, but drain well).
- Vegetables: 2 lbs. Russet potatoes, 1/2 lb. carrots (about 4 carrots), 1 yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic.
- Canned Goods: 1 15oz. can stewed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth.
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper.
- Sauces: 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tbsp soy sauce.
- Frozen: 1 cup frozen peas.
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with this comforting slow cooker dish. If you don’t have ground beef, feel free to use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground for a vegetarian option in your ground beef crockpot recipe. For vegetables, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or celery make excellent additions or substitutions. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can replace beef broth in a pinch. Experiment with other dried herbs like bay leaf or marjoram for different flavor profiles. If stewed tomatoes aren’t available, diced tomatoes work perfectly.
Essential Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to create this delicious ground beef crockpot recipe:
- Large slow cooker: A 5-quart or larger model is ideal for this generous recipe.
- Large skillet: Essential for properly browning the ground beef.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For preparing all your fresh vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
- Ladle: For easily serving up hearty portions of stew.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make a mouthwatering ground beef crockpot recipe that’s packed with flavor and incredibly tender.
First, prepare your vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds. Dice the yellow onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and freshly cracked black pepper to your slow cooker (5 quarts or larger).
Next, brown the ground beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. This step is crucial for flavor. Once cooked, thoroughly drain off any excess fat from the beef.
Now, combine everything in the slow cooker. Add the browned and drained ground beef to the slow cooker. Pour in the entire can of stewed tomatoes, including the juices. Finally, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
Give the contents of the slow cooker a brief, gentle stir. This ensures all the ingredients are evenly combined. Don’t worry if the broth doesn’t fully cover everything; the slow cooker will work its magic. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.
Cook the stew thoroughly. Set your slow cooker to cook on HIGH for four hours, or on LOW for eight hours. The longer, slower cook time on LOW often results in more tender beef and vegetables.
After the cooking time, remove the lid and stir the stew. Use the back of a spoon to slightly mash some of the tender potatoes against the side of the slow cooker. This natural starch will help to thicken the stew to a perfect consistency.
Stir in the frozen peas. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; the residual heat from the stew will warm them through in minutes. Give it another gentle stir.
Finally, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, depending on the salt content of your beef broth and personal preference. Serve your delicious ground beef stew hot, perhaps with some crusty bread for dipping.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect ground beef crockpot recipe is easy with a few simple tricks. Always brown your ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker; this creates a richer, deeper flavor. For a deeper understanding of how this process enhances taste, explore the Maillard reaction in cooking. Make sure to drain all excess fat from the browned beef to prevent a greasy stew. Cut your vegetables into roughly even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Be mindful of your cooking time; avoid opening the lid frequently, as this extends the cooking process.
If your stew is too thin, try mashing more potatoes or stirring in a cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, add a splash more beef broth. If the flavor seems bland, a dash more Worcestershire, soy sauce, or a pinch of salt and pepper can make a big difference.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile ground beef crockpot recipe is fantastic on its own, but these ideas can elevate your meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve generous bowls of this hearty stew with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair your stew with a simple green side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Storage Instructions
- Ensure the stew cools completely to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe Variations
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables like corn, green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with a bay leaf, marjoram, or an Italian herb blend.
- Creamy Version: Swirl in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or cream cheese just before serving.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over each bowl before serving.
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
Understanding the nutrition of your ground beef crockpot recipe is simple. The estimated nutrition information is based on the specific ingredients and quantities provided in this recipe. Please note that actual values can vary depending on brands, fat content of beef, and any substitutions you make. For the most accurate nutritional data, we recommend using an online nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen ground beef?
It’s best to thaw your ground beef before browning it. This ensures even cooking and allows you to properly drain excess fat for this ground beef crockpot recipe.
Do I have to brown the beef?
Yes, browning the beef is highly recommended. It adds a crucial depth of flavor and texture that you’ll miss if you skip this step.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like corn, green beans, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for variety.
How to thicken crockpot stew?
Mashing some cooked potatoes against the side of the pot is a natural way to thicken it. Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry mixed with a little cold water.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this ground beef crockpot stew freezes beautifully. Simply cool it completely, then store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Conclusion
This ground beef crockpot recipe proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you can create a warm, comforting stew that the whole family will adore. It’s perfect for busy schedules and guarantees a satisfying dinner with rich flavors. We encourage you to try this easy recipe and make it a new favorite! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family.
The Best Ground Beef Crockpot Recipe for a Cozy Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice potatoes, slice carrots, dice onion, and mince garlic. Add to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker along with rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
- Add browned beef to the slow cooker. Pour in stewed tomatoes with juices, beef broth, Worcestershire, and soy sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to naturally thicken the stew.
- Add frozen peas, stir well, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until peas are warmed through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with fresh parsley and crusty bread, if desired.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
