Easy Crockpot Ground Beef Stew

This hearty crockpot ground beef stew recipe beef stew recipe makes a comforting meal. It’s simple to prepare and tastes fantastic. Let your slow cooker do the work!

Delicious and Easy: A Crockpot Ground Beef Stew Recipe

A ground beef stew recipe cooked in a slow cooker is the perfect meal for a busy day. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooking process allows flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish. If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly meal, this recipe will become a new favorite. The process is simple: some basic steps, then let the crockpot do the rest! You’ll come home to the most wonderful aroma and a delicious, hot meal ready to serve.

Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Beef Stew?

Using a slow cooker for your beef stew has several advantages. First, it is incredibly convenient. You can prepare your ingredients in the morning, put them in the crockpot, and then let it cook all day. Furthermore, the long cooking time allows the meat to become exceptionally tender. In addition, the slow heat helps to deepen and develop the flavors, giving you a richer, more satisfying stew. Finally, cleanup is minimal, another big plus for busy cooks! With minimal effort, you can have a truly delicious meal. The slow cooker is truly a workhorse in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those days when you need a meal that basically cooks itself. Moreover, this method also retains the moisture of the food.

The Key to a Flavorful Stew

The secret to a flavorful beef stew is layering the ingredients and letting them cook slowly. We start with browned ground beef. Then, we add a rich mix of vegetables. The combination creates a base of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. The long, slow cook allows each ingredient to add its unique flavor to the dish, resulting in a hearty, flavorful stew that your family will love. And you will have more time to relax. The browning of the beef before placing it into the slow cooker is essential to the flavor profile. This process adds a deep, caramelized note.

Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Beef Stew

Here is a list of what you need for this crockpot ground beef stew recipe:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

These simple ingredients combine to make an amazing dish that is sure to please. Each item adds an element to the flavor profile. Don’t underestimate the power of simple ingredients. The dried herbs, for example, add a significant amount of depth. The tomato paste provides a subtle tanginess and richness.

Preparing Your Ground Beef Stew

This beef stew recipe is very straightforward. The steps are simple, but each one contributes to the overall quality of the stew. A little bit of preparation goes a long way!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds a depth of flavor and should not be skipped. Break up the beef while it’s cooking so that it browns more evenly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is browning, chop the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Mince the garlic. These fresh vegetables add both flavor and nutrients to the dish. Try to cut the vegetables into similar sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Combine Ingredients: Place the browned ground beef in the crockpot. Add the onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic. Then, sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Next, stir in the flour and tomato paste. This process allows the flour to coat the vegetables and beef, helping to create a thick sauce.
4. Add Broth: Pour the beef broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. The broth will help create a rich and flavorful sauce. Make sure all the ingredients are well immersed.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This is when the magic happens! The flavors will blend beautifully. The longer cooking time on low will always provide the most tender results.
6. Add Peas (Optional): Stir in the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking, if using. This will add some brightness and freshness to the stew. They should be added at the end to avoid turning mushy.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and enjoy! Serve with some crusty bread for an extra treat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if you like.

Following these steps will result in a delicious ground beef stew that is perfect for any meal. Each step is quite simple, but each also contributes to the flavor.

Tips for the Best Stew

• Brown the Beef: It’s important to brown the ground beef first. This gives the stew a richer, deeper flavor. Don’t rush the browning process, as it is key to achieving maximum flavor.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, good quality vegetables make all the difference. When possible, opt for locally sourced produce.
• Don’t Skip the Herbs: The dried thyme and rosemary add a wonderful aromatic quality. Use the amounts in the recipe as a guide, but adjust to your liking. Herbs are essential for flavor layering.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew before serving, and add more salt and pepper, if needed. Always season to taste and don’t be afraid to make adjustments.
• Add a Thickener: The flour in this recipe helps thicken the stew. To make it even thicker, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This mixture will help achieve your desired consistency.
• Consider Fresh Herbs: For an even more vibrant flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. Fresh herbs at the end of cooking will add a burst of flavor.

These tips will help you create a beef stew that is absolutely irresistible. Little adjustments can make a huge difference in flavor.

Crockpot Ground Beef Stew: Serving Suggestions

A bowl of crockpot ground beef stew is a meal in itself. However, there are a few things you can do to enhance the meal even further. It’s all about personalizing your culinary experience.

Perfect Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Serve your stew with some fresh, crusty bread. This is perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce. A good sourdough or baguette would be perfect.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great side dish. The freshness can cut through the richness of the stew. A salad with a lemon dressing will create a nice contrast.
• Mashed Potatoes: If you want a more hearty meal, add a scoop of mashed potatoes or cauliflower to your bowl. This is perfect if you want to make it a very filling meal.
• Cornbread: A side of cornbread is also fantastic with this stew. The sweet and savory flavors work very well together. A slightly sweet cornbread will balance the savory stew nicely.

These additions will make your stew dinner even more satisfying. The key is to choose items that complement the stew without overpowering it.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this ground beef stew recipe, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat it up on the stove or in the microwave. This stew tastes even better the next day. It is a great option to make ahead. The flavors continue to develop the longer it sits.

Variations on the Recipe

The beauty of a crockpot ground beef stew recipe is that it’s very adaptable. Feel free to make it your own! Experiment to find what suits your preferences.

• Add Different Vegetables: Try adding other types of vegetables. Some ideas include peas, turnips, or green beans. Mushrooms or bell peppers are also excellent options.
• Use Different Meats: If you don’t have ground beef, you can use cubed beef, or even ground turkey or lamb. Using different proteins will change the flavor profile.
• Try different seasonings: A bit of paprika or a bay leaf can add another level of depth to the flavor. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also intensify the flavor.
• Add Wine: A splash of red wine added to the stew can make the flavor even more rich and complex. A dry red, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, will provide the best result.
• Spice it up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a bit of hot sauce to add heat to your own bowl.

There are many ways you can customize this recipe to suit your needs. Don’t be afraid to explore and innovate.

Crockpot Ground Beef Stew: Perfect for Any Season

This versatile ground beef stew isn’t just for cold winter nights. It is suitable for any time of year. Its adaptability makes it a great option for a variety of situations.

A Comforting Meal in Any Weather

While many associate stew with colder months, its comforting qualities make it enjoyable any time of the year. In warmer months, you can pair it with a light salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. The richness of the stew makes it filling while still being easy to manage. It is a great way to get your vegetables in during any season.

Great for Meal Prepping

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. The stew can be easily stored and reheated, making it an ideal option for a week’s worth of lunches or dinners. Make a big batch on Sunday, and you have a convenient, delicious meal ready to go. It’s a great way to save time during the week. Plus, you can easily freeze some to have it available anytime.

Feeding a Crowd

This crockpot ground beef stew recipe is excellent for feeding a crowd. Its easy to make in large quantities and requires minimal hands-on time. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers. The slow cooker is perfect for keeping the stew warm and ready to serve.

Making Your Crockpot Ground Beef Stew

Using a slow cooker makes this beef stew incredibly easy. The low, slow cooking method ensures that the meat is tender and the flavors are well combined. This method allows for a very simple and satisfying meal.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then drain off the excess grease. Be sure to break it up as it cooks.
2. Chop your vegetables: onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and mince the garlic. Try to chop them evenly.
3. Add the browned beef and your chopped vegetables to the slow cooker. Place the meat in first, then top with the vegetables.
4. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Then, mix in the flour and tomato paste. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
5. Pour the beef broth over the top, making sure all items are covered. The broth should reach close to the top of the ingredients.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Be sure to adjust the cook time based on your slow cooker.
7. Stir in the frozen peas, if desired, during the last 30 minutes. They will quickly cook once they are added.
8. Ladle the beef stew into bowls and serve. Garnish with parsley or other fresh herbs.

With these steps, anyone can easily make this delicious and satisfying stew. The steps are simple, yet yield amazing results.

Choosing the Right Slow Cooker

If you’re looking to make crockpot ground beef stew more frequently, it might be worth looking at different types of slow cookers.

• Size Matters: Choose a slow cooker that fits your household’s size. A smaller size is ideal for a couple. However, larger families or meal prepping may need a larger model.
• Programmable Settings: Some models have programmable settings that allow you to set cooking times and temperature. It’s nice to be able to program a cook time to be complete when you arrive home from work.
• Keep Warm Setting: A keep warm setting is also a handy feature if you’re not ready to serve immediately. This can help to ensure that your food is always at the right temperature.
• Material: Slow cookers with ceramic inserts can provide even heat distribution, but are heavy. Others are made of lighter materials.

Final Thoughts

This crockpot ground beef stew recipe is a great option for any busy family. It’s easy to prepare, tastes great, and is very satisfying. Furthermore, it’s packed with nutritious vegetables. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking. Enjoy this wonderful, comforting meal any time of year. This simple meal can bring your whole family together. It is a hearty and convenient option for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can you put raw ground beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can put raw ground beef in a slow cooker. However, it is better to brown it first for richer flavor and to ensure that the beef cooks evenly.

What is the secret ingredient in a stew?
The secret ingredient in a stew is not a single item, but rather time. Slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, which creates a rich, delicious result. Using a good beef broth is important too.

Is it better to cook stew on low or high in a slow cooker?
It’s generally better to cook stew on low in a slow cooker. Low cooking for a longer time allows the meat to become more tender and enhances the flavors. You can cook it on high for a shorter period, but low is usually preferred for the best results.

Why add flour to beef stew?
Flour is added to beef stew to help thicken the sauce. It mixes with the broth and vegetables as the stew cooks, creating a smooth, rich, and flavorful sauce. This ensures the stew is not watery and has the right consistency.