Crock pot recipes ground beef are the ultimate answer to hearty, no-fuss winter dinners that fill your home with warmth and comfort. There’s something incredibly soothing about coming home to the rich aroma of a slow-cooked meal filling the kitchen. Growing up, my grandmother had a special love for stews—especially in the dead of winter when frost crept up the windows and nights came early. Inspired by her nurturing recipes, I’ve created this Crock Pot Ground Beef Stew to capture that same soul-warming comfort, using a modern kitchen favorite—the slow cooker.
If you’re searching for easy crock pot ground beef recipes that are simple, satisfying, and perfect for cold-weather cravings, this one checks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly, great for batch cooking, and packed with familiar flavors the whole family will love.
🛒 Ingredients for Crock Pot Ground Beef Stew
Here’s everything you’ll need for this cozy stew:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 3 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas (added during last 30 minutes)
🥣 Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by warming a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. If there’s excess grease, drain it using a spoon or tilt the skillet and remove with paper towels. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor and ensures a better texture in the final stew.
Tip: You can add a pinch of salt and pepper during this step to build layers of seasoning from the start.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is browning, wash and peel your potatoes and carrots. Dice the potatoes into small 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Slice the carrots and celery into thin, even rounds. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add all these chopped vegetables directly into the crock pot.
Kitchen Hack: Want to save time? Use pre-chopped mirepoix (carrot, celery, onion mix) from the grocery store and pre-washed baby potatoes.
3. Assemble Everything in the Crock Pot
Once the beef is cooked and drained, transfer it into the crock pot over the vegetables. Add in:
- The full can of diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1½ cups of beef broth
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon of each)
Use a large spoon or spatula to stir everything thoroughly, making sure the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
Flavor Boost: If time allows, deglaze the skillet used for the beef with a splash of beef broth and scrape the brown bits into the crock pot—those are full of umami flavor!
4. Slow Cook It to Perfection
Cover the crock pot with its lid and choose your cooking method:
- Low setting: Cook for 6 to 8 hours — best for deep, melded flavors.
- High setting: Cook for 4 to 5 hours — great if you’re short on time.
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas if you’d like a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Don’t Peek Too Often! Each time you lift the lid, you lose heat and slow the cooking process—try to resist unless stirring in peas or testing doneness.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Before serving, taste the stew and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. If the broth seems too thick, stir in a bit more warm broth. For a thicker stew, mash a few potato chunks with the back of a spoon and stir.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the stew into deep bowls and serve hot. It pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty sourdough or garlic bread
- A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Leftovers Tip: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in single portions for up to 3 months.
🕒 Quick Overview
Looking for crock pot recipes ground beef lovers will keep on rotation? This slow-cooked stew is a classic you’ll make all winter long.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
- Servings: 4–6
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
🧑🍳 Tips & Substitutions
- No potatoes? Substitute with sweet potatoes or canned beans for a different twist.
- Add spice: A dash of cayenne or chili flakes gives a nice kick.
- Want it thicker? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.
❓ FAQs
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes! Like most crock pot recipes ground beef, this one freezes beautifully.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Try swapping ground beef for lentils and using vegetable broth.
What other vegetables can I use?
Parsnips, green beans, or corn make great additions depending on what’s in season.
🥦 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
(Nutritional info will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
💬 Let’s Talk Food!
Did you make this crock pot ground beef stew? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share your favorite variations. Comfort food is even better when it’s shared.
