crock pot hamburger stew recipe

The Best crock pot hamburger stew recipe

I’ve been making this crock pot hamburger stew recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions is a classic, and the slow cooker does all the work for you.

I love how the flavors meld together over the course of the day, and the result is always a rich, satisfying stew that my family devours in minutes. We’ve served it with crusty bread or over egg noodles, and it’s always a hit. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare – just brown the meat, chop the veggies, and let the crock pot do its magic.

And the best part? It’s a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies! They love helping me add the potatoes and carrots to the pot, and they’re always excited to see what new ingredients I’ll add next time around.

This recipe has become a mainstay in our kitchen because it’s so versatile – we can serve it as a main course or add some crusty bread on the side for a filling snack. And with all the added veggies, I feel good about what we’re putting into our bodies. Plus, it’s just plain delicious!

The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can come home to a hot meal that’s ready to devour. It’s perfect for those crazy days when I’m running around with no time to cook dinner.

Crock Pot Hamburger Stew

4.7 from 1645 votes

A hearty and comforting stew made with ground beef, vegetables, and a rich gravy, slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Proteins

1 lb ground beef

Vegetables

1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 potatoes, diced
1 bell pepper, diced

Canned Goods

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Liquids

2 cups beef broth

Seasonings

1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 bay leaf

Thickener

2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place ground beef in the crock pot.
2Cook on high for 30 minutes, then drain excess fat.
3Break up any large chunks of beef with a spoon.
4Add diced onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and bell pepper to the crock pot.
5Stir to combine with the ground beef.
6Pour diced tomatoes (with juice) and tomato sauce into the crock pot.
7Add beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and bay leaf.
8Stir well to combine.
9Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
10Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
11In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
12Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
13This will help thicken the gravy.
14Remove the bay leaf before serving.
15Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls.

🔧Equipment

Crock pot
Mixing spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier stew, add 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper. You can also customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

This crock pot hamburger stew recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need something quick and easy for your family. And because it freezes so well, you can make big batches ahead of time and store them in your freezer for later use.

Just thaw out what you need when you’re ready – no fuss required! And don’t forget about reheating ideas: serve over rice or noodles for an extra-special meal or top with some crusty bread for an easy snack.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Hamburger Stew

1. Can I use lean ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use lean ground beef for this recipe. However, keep in mind that leaner meats may result in a drier stew. To compensate, you can add a little more liquid or use beef broth instead of water to enhance the flavor.

2. Can I freeze leftover crock pot hamburger stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

3. Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef in the Instant Pot using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

Absolutely. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the stew. Some great options include green beans, peas, and corn. Just keep in mind that some vegetables may require less cooking time than others, so you may need to add them later in the cooking process.

5. Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?

Yes you can. You can make this recipe on the stove top. Simply brown the ground beef in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer over medium-low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. You can also make this recipe in the oven. Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and cover. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

6. Can I add more seasonings to the stew?

Yes, you can customize the seasonings to your taste. Some great options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Just keep in mind that adding too many seasonings can overpower the flavors of the other ingredients, so it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

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