This slow cooker hamburger stew is a comforting, one-pot meal that blends seasoned ground beef with hearty vegetables and savory broth. It cooks low and slow until everything becomes tender and rich with flavor, making it ideal for busy days when you want dinner ready with minimal effort. The mix of beef, potatoes, carrots, and herbs warms you with every spoonful.
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this stew combines simple pantry and fridge staples into a satisfying, balanced dish. The slow cooker method ensures the flavors develop deeply, and the finished dish is both wholesome and filling without the fuss of constant stovetop attention.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1½ pounds
- Onion, diced – 1 large
- Garlic cloves, minced – 3
- Carrots, sliced – 3 medium
- Celery stalks, sliced – 2
- Potatoes, peeled and diced – 3 cups
- Beef broth – 4 cups
- Canned diced tomatoes – 14½ ounces
- Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Frozen peas – 1 cup (added at end)
- Corn kernels – 1 cup (added at end)
- Fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté until softened.
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, celery, diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in frozen peas and corn.
- Once heated through and tender, taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if you like.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Servings: 6–8
- Cuisine: Comfort / American
- Course: Main / Dinner
How to Store
- Allow stew to cool slightly before storing.
- Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
What Not to Do
- Do not add delicate vegetables (peas, corn) at the start—they will overcook.
- Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid repeatedly; this slows cooking.
- Do not salt too early; season at the end to taste, especially if using salty broth.
Tips & Variations
- Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
- Include diced bell peppers or mushrooms for more vegetables.
- Serve with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up the broth.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top just before serving for richness.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~340
- Protein: ~25 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fat: ~15 g
- Fiber: ~5 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté until softened.
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, celery, diced potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in frozen peas and corn.
- Once heated through and tender, taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if you like.
Notes
- Protein: ~25 g
- Carbohydrates: ~28 g
- Fat: ~15 g
- Fiber: ~5 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
Conclusion
This slow cooker hamburger stew brings comfort and balance to your table without extra fuss. With tender vegetables, savory seasoned beef, and a rich broth, it’s satisfying and nourishing. Its slow cooker simplicity makes it perfect for busy schedules, and it’s easily customizable to fit your favorite flavor twists.
FAQs
- Can I use lean ground beef?
Yes—just brown it well to build flavor. - Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes—simmer in a large pot for about 45 minutes until vegetables are tender. - Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes—freeze in portions and thaw before reheating. - Can I add barley or rice?
Yes—add during the last 2 hours of cooking. - Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No—leaving the skins on is fine and adds nutrients.
