If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious, this Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet carrots, and perfectly seasoned ground beef simmered slowly to develop rich, layered flavors. Whether you’re coming home after a busy day or looking for a simple crowd-pleaser, this stew offers the perfect balance of ease and nourishment in every cozy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating the stew’s irresistible taste and texture. The fresh vegetables add color and earthiness, while the beef broth and seasonings bring it all together in a fragrant, savory harmony.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a rich flavor base, trimmed to keep it healthy.
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped: Their buttery texture thickens the stew beautifully as they cook.
- 2 cups carrots, sliced into thick rounds: Add natural sweetness and a pleasant bite that complements the beef.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Builds depth and a subtle sweetness that enriches the broth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuse the stew with aromatic warmth and a mild kick.
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth: Acts as the stew’s flavorful cooking liquid without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds herbal notes that brighten the overall profile and tie everything together.
- 2 bay leaves: Introduce a subtle earthy flavor that simmers into the stew.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the lean ground beef until it loses its pink color. Browning develops rich, savory notes that elevate the stew and helps render some excess fat, which you should drain off before moving on.
Step 2: Add Your Vegetables
Once the beef is nestled into the slow cooker, layer the chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic evenly on top. These veggies bring wonderful texture contrasts and freshness to the dish as they slowly soften.
Step 3: Pour in the Beef Broth
Carefully pour about 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth over the ingredients until everything is nearly covered. This broth will slowly simmer and absorb the flavors from the beef and vegetables, creating a rich cooking liquid.
Step 4: Season It Up
Sprinkle the dried thyme and tuck in the two bay leaves for that subtle herbal complexity. Then add salt and pepper to your preference—these seasonings bring all the flavors together but can always be adjusted at the end.
Step 5: Stir and Set to Cook
Gently stir the stew ingredients to combine everything evenly. Cover the slow cooker tightly to keep the heat and moisture locked in for thorough cooking.
Step 6: Let It Slow Cook
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the potatoes and carrots will become tender, and the beef will soak up all those comforting, savory flavors that make this stew so delightful.
Step 7: Final Touches
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves—they’ve done their job adding flavor but aren’t meant to be eaten. Serve your Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew piping hot and enjoy all the goodness!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the stew, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves is perfect. Adding a small dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can add a creamy, tangy contrast that tastes wonderful with the rich beef and veggies.
Side Dishes
This stew stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with some crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls will help soak up all that flavorful broth. A simple green salad or roasted green beans can add a refreshing crunch that balances the hearty stew nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, serve this stew over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. You could also ladle it into large bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation that’s sure to impress family and guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days, giving you quick and comforting meals ready to reheat on busy nights.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy make-ahead meal.
Reheating
Gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick after storing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamy texture and buttery flavor, russet or red potatoes work just as well. Just keep in mind that russet potatoes might break down more and thicken the stew further.
Is it possible to make this stew in an Instant Pot?
Definitely. You can brown the ground beef using the sauté function, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes. Be sure to quick-release the steam carefully afterward.
Can I add other vegetables to this stew?
Yes! Feel free to add peas, corn, green beans, or even celery to customize the stew according to your taste or what you have on hand.
How do I make this stew gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth. Always double-check labels especially for broth and seasonings to ensure no hidden gluten.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should have a slightly thick but not overly dense broth, with tender vegetables that hold their shape. If you prefer it thicker, you can mash a few potatoes into the broth or add a cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming home to a pot of slow-cooked comfort, and this Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew Recipe delivers just that. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of heartwarming flavors that remind you why stew is a classic dish for good reason. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and make it one of your beloved go-tos when you want a meal that feels like a big, warm hug.
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Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for cozy meals. Packed with tender beef, Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, and flavorful herbs, it simmers slowly to develop rich flavors. Ideal for an easy, hands-off dinner, this stew requires minimal prep and delivers a satisfying, wholesome meal for about six people.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
- 2 cups carrots, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the stew lean. Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the chopped Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic on top of the beef in the slow cooker. These veggies provide heartiness and flavor to the stew.
- Add Broth: Pour 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth into the slow cooker, enough to cover the ingredients and create a flavorful base for the stew.
- Season: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and add 2 bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the seasoning profile.
- Combine and Cover: Stir everything gently to distribute the seasonings and broth evenly. Cover the slow cooker securely with the lid.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or choose high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking until vegetables are tender ensures a rich, developed flavor and perfect texture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve the stew hot for a nourishing, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can brown the beef directly in the slow cooker using the sauté function if your slow cooker has one, skipping the stovetop step.
- For thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes after cooking or add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for variation.
- Adjust seasoning at the end of cooking to taste.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
