There’s something about a slow-cooked stew that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I remember one evening, the sky already dimming outside the window, and the smell of garlic and herbs filling the kitchen as the stew simmered away. The house was cozy, but I was distracted, juggling a few things at once—half listening to a podcast, half checking on a text, and wondering if I’d added enough seasoning. But that’s the beauty of this ground beef crockpot stew: it’s forgiving. You can tweak it as you go, and it still pulls together into something hearty and satisfying.
The tender carrots and potatoes soften just right, soaking up the rich broth and those classic savory notes. When it’s finally time to eat, the whole family gathers with bowls in hand, the steam rising and the flavors making you pause for a moment that’s just about the food and the company. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. And really good.
Why You’ll Love It
- Hands-off cooking lets you focus on the parts of your day that matter most, while the stew quietly works its magic.
- It’s loaded with familiar veggies and comforting beef flavors, but without any complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
- The slow cooker makes cleanup easier, though I usually end up with a few splatters on the stove—nothing serious, but it happens.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No frills, just a satisfying meal that feels like a little bit of calm.
If you’re nervous about timing, don’t worry too much. This stew is pretty forgiving if it cooks a little longer or shorter. Just keep an eye on the veggies if you can.
PrintGround Beef Crockpot Stew
A hearty and comforting ground beef stew made effortlessly in the crockpot with vegetables and savory seasonings. Perfect for a warm family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced celery, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot.
Stir all ingredients together to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables are tender.
About 10 minutes before serving, stir the stew and adjust seasoning if needed.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stew before serving.
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a medium-sized crockpot—nothing fancy—to make this stew, and it fits perfectly. When serving, this stew pairs nicely with crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. Sometimes I swap out celery for green beans if that’s what I have on hand, though it changes the texture a little. If you want a bit more tang, a splash of vinegar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth, but I haven’t tested all the combinations thoroughly. Also, feel free to stir the stew once or twice during cooking if you’re around—it helps everything cook evenly and keeps the flavors blended.
FAQ
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Is it possible to use lean ground beef?
Absolutely. Leaner beef works fine, though the stew might be a bit less rich, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
I haven’t tried it myself, but reducing the cooking time and using the slow cook function could work if you want to experiment.
Give this ground beef crockpot stew a try next time you want dinner that’s cozy without the fuss. Save it, print it, and let it become part of your weeknight routine.