Discover the ultimate comfort food with this delightful slow cooker beef stew. These hamburger crockpot recipes make mealtime effortless and budget-friendly. Using simple ground beef, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a rich, cozy stew that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Crockpot Recipe
This easy beef stew will quickly become a family favorite for many reasons:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do all the work. The N.C. Cooperative Extension provides further insights into the benefits of slow cooker meals, highlighting their convenience and efficiency.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and common vegetables keep your grocery bill low.
- Hearty & Comforting: This stew delivers deep, savory flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Highly Versatile: Easily swap vegetables to use what you have on hand or suit family preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying hamburger crockpot stew. Each component plays a crucial role in building the stew’s hearty flavor profile and texture.
- 2 lbs. russet potatoes
- 1/2 lb. carrots (about 4 carrots)
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 15oz. can stewed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas
Notes & Substitutions
For the best results in your hamburger crockpot recipes, consider these tips. Russet potatoes break down beautifully, helping to thicken the stew; however, Yukon Golds or red potatoes also work, offering a firmer texture. Stewed tomatoes provide a rustic chunkiness and a deeper tomato flavor, but diced tomatoes are a fine substitute if you prefer smaller pieces. Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery for extra nutrition. If you do not have beef broth, vegetable broth can be used, though it will alter the depth of flavor slightly.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this fantastic hamburger crockpot stew.
- Slow Cooker (5 quarts or larger): This is essential for hands-off cooking and tender results.
- Large Skillet: You will use this to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Necessary for preparing all the fresh vegetables.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for the best flavor balance.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful hamburger crockpot stew. This process makes preparing dinner easy and ensures a delicious meal with minimal effort.
First, prepare your vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Peel and slice the carrots. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and pepper to a 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 apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. The USDA offers important information on the color of cooked ground beef and its relation to doneness, emphasizing that color alone is not a reliable indicator of safety. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet. Add the browned and drained beef to the slow cooker along with the entire can of stewed tomatoes, including the juices. Finally, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
Give the contents of the slow cooker a brief stir. This ensures everything is evenly combined, though the broth may not fully cover all the ingredients. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook on high for four hours, or on low for eight hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating incredible hamburger crockpot recipes.
After the cooking time concludes, carefully remove the lid. Stir the stew thoroughly. Use the back of a spoon to slightly mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker. This natural starch release will help to thicken the stew to a perfect consistency.
Add the frozen peas directly to the slow cooker; there is no need to thaw them first. Stir gently to incorporate the peas into the hot stew until they are heated through, which only takes a few minutes. Finally, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add extra salt, depending on the salt content of your beef broth. Serve your comforting hamburger crockpot stew hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Your Hamburger Crockpot Stew
Maximize the flavor of your slow cooker hamburger stew with these helpful tips. Always brown your ground beef before adding it to the crockpot; this critical step develops a deeper, richer flavor profile. Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less flavorful stew. Always taste and adjust your seasoning at the very end of cooking, as flavors concentrate during slow cooking. Mashing some potatoes into the stew naturally thickens it without needing flour or cornstarch. To prevent a watery stew, ensure your lid fits snugly and consider mashing more potatoes if it seems too thin.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile hamburger crockpot recipe offers many ways to enjoy and store it.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Serve alongside a simple fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Offer your stew over fluffy rice or egg noodles for extra heartiness.
Storage Instructions
- Cool the stew quickly after serving, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or use the microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
- Try different ground meats like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter stew.
- Add more root vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for diverse flavors.
- Experiment with other seasonings, like Italian seasoning, a bay leaf, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Include a can of kidney beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, for an extra protein boost.
Nutrition
Enjoy this hearty and satisfying hamburger crockpot recipe with estimated nutritional information.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1.5 cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Total Carbs | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Total Sugars | 7g |
| Protein | 28g |
Please note: These are estimated values and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I put raw ground beef in a crockpot?
It is best to brown ground beef before adding it to your slow cooker. This step enhances flavor and allows you to drain excess fat. - How do I thicken hamburger stew in a crockpot?
Mash some of the cooked potatoes directly into the stew with the back of a spoon. Their starch will naturally thicken the liquid. - What other vegetables can I add to this stew?
Feel free to add corn, green beans, mushrooms, or celery. Ensure denser vegetables are cut into smaller pieces. - Is this hamburger crockpot recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this specific recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce labels to confirm they are gluten-free. - How long can hamburger crockpot stew be stored?
You can safely store leftover stew in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to three months. - Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Brown the beef using the sauté function, then cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes with a natural release.
Conclusion
This hearty hamburger crockpot recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Its ease of preparation and comforting taste are sure to impress everyone at your table. This versatile stew is a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. We encourage you to try this simple slow cooker favorite soon. Please share your thoughts and reviews in the comments below!