Description
Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew Recipe
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup frozen peas
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cups beef broth
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Assemble Ingredients:
Place the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, onion, and browned beef into the slow cooker.
Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add Broth:
Pour the beef broth over the ingredients and give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
Add the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve:
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
Serve warm with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Tips:
For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) in the last hour of cooking.
Customize with additional vegetables like green beans, corn, or bell peppers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Servings: 6
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Hamburger Stew that’s perfect for chilly days!
#SlowCookerComfort #HamburgerStew #CozyMeals
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Vegetables: Peel and dice potatoes, slice carrots and celery, and dice the onion. Having all vegetables uniformly sized ensures even cooking.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a skillet. Add ground beef, season with a pinch of salt, and cook until fully browned. Break it into small crumbles. Draining the fat is crucial to prevent a greasy stew.
3. Layer in Slow Cooker: Add the browned beef and all prepped vegetables (except peas) to the slow cooker insert.
4. Add Flavor Base: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and all dried spices (garlic powder, thyme, paprika). Pour beef broth over everything and stir gently to combine.
5. Cook: Cover and set to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Vegetables should be fork-tender.
6. Final Touch: Stir in frozen peas 30 minutes before serving. This preserves their color and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or fluffy dinner rolls for dipping. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of steamed rice or egg noodles. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
How-to Summary
Brown ground beef, then combine it with diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, broth, tomato products, and seasonings in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Add frozen peas in the last 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? Yes. Add fresh peas in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to avoid mushiness.
Can I prepare this stew ahead of time? Absolutely. Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Flavors often improve. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
How can I make this gluten-free? Ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise.
Can I substitute the ground beef? Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative work well. Adjust cooking time if using pre-cooked substitutes.
My stew is too thin. How do I thicken it? Create a cornstarch slurry: mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water. Stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes on HIGH. Alternatively, use a fork to mash some potatoes against the cooker wall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the beef adds deep flavor. Don’t just add it raw.
- Overfilling the Slow Cooker: Fill no more than 2/3 full to ensure proper, safe cooking.
- Adding Peas Too Early: Adding frozen peas at the start results in gray, mushy peas. Always add them at the end.
- Underseasoning: Slow cookers can mute spices. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs before serving.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew is the epitome of easy, comforting cooking. With minimal hands-on prep, you’re rewarded with a deeply flavorful, nutrient-packed meal that satisfies the whole family. Its versatility with ingredients and foolproof method make it a reliable staple for any busy weeknight or cozy weekend. Simply set it, forget it, and come home to a delicious, hearty dinner.