Easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a hearty slow cooker hamburger stew brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Meat lovers will appreciate the rich, deep flavors simmering throughout the day.

Tender chunks of ground beef mingle with robust vegetables in this classic one-pot meal.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

Winter nights demand something filling and nourishing like this stew.

Every spoonful promises warmth and nostalgia, connecting you to cherished memories of home-cooked meals.

Dive into this delicious recipe and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew That Comforts

• Simplify Meal Prep: Chop vegetables in advance and store in containers, making it super quick to start this hearty stew whenever hunger strikes.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, letting the appliance transform simple components into a rich, comforting meal without constant monitoring.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Cuisine: Packed with tender meat, soft vegetables, and mild seasonings, this stew appeals to children and adults alike, making family dinners stress-free and delicious.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, root vegetables, and pantry staples, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the stew.
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth, texture, and nutritional value to the stew.
• Frozen Peas: Provide a burst of green color and sweet flavor to the finished dish.

• Dried Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that contribute earthy and complex flavor notes to the stew.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that deepen the savory profile of the stew.

• Stewed Tomatoes: Provide acidity, moisture, and additional flavor to the slow-cooked stew.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

Step 1: Prepare Veggie Base

Chop your vegetables with love and care. Grab your cutting board and sharp knife.

Dice potatoes into chunky cubes. Slice carrots into bite-sized rounds.

Mince garlic and chop onions finely. Toss all these colorful ingredients into your trusty slow cooker.

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Onions
• Garlic

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet and cook ground beef until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Drain away excess fat to keep things light.

The sizzling meat will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma. Transfer the perfectly browned beef into the slow cooker.

• Ground beef
• Skillet

Step 3: Pour in Liquid Magic

Time to add moisture and depth to your stew. Pour in these flavor-packed liquids that will transform your dish.

• Stewed tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in herbs and seasonings that will make your stew sing with flavor. Mix everything gently to ensure each ingredient gets cozy with the others.

• Dried rosemary
• Thyme
• Black pepper

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

Your kitchen will smell incredible during this time.

Step 6: Final Touches

When cooking is complete, stir the stew.

Use your spoon to gently mash some potatoes, creating a thick, rich texture. Toss in frozen peas for a pop of color and freshness.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming stew into bowls.

Grab some crusty bread for dipping. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this comforting meal together.

Tips to Perfect Hamburger Stew

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier stew without compromising flavor.
• Enhance the stew's richness by adding a splash of red wine during browning for deeper, more complex taste.
• Prevent mushy vegetables by cutting them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
• Swap frozen peas with other vegetables like green beans or corn for variety and personal preference.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days, reheating gently to maintain the stew's delicious consistency.

Variations to Refresh Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

• Lean Meat Alternative: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option, maintaining the same cooking method and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a complete vegetarian transformation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly Worcestershire and soy sauce, to make the stew safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the hearty stew texture and rich flavor.

Pairing Ideas with Hamburger Stew

• Select a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the hearty beef flavors and cuts through the stew's richness.
• Serve with crusty sourdough or rustic garlic bread to soak up the delicious stew juices and add textural contrast.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to brighten the stew's deep flavors and add a light, fresh element to the heavy dish.
• Pair with a crisp, cold beer like an amber ale or porter that matches the stew's robust and comforting profile.

Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

• Transfer leftover stew into airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving slight space for expansion. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork for a different flavor profile.

• Do I need to pre-cook the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker?

No, the vegetables will cook perfectly in the slow cooker during the long cooking process. Simply chop and add them directly to the cooker.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and verify that your beef broth is gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully.

• Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew reheats wonderfully and can be prepared in advance. The flavors actually develop and improve after sitting for a day in the refrigerator.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty hamburger stew brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its rich, savory blend of ground beef and vegetables. Slow cooker magic creates a simple, satisfying meal that nourishes and delights you.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 lbs russet potatoes
• 1/2 lb carrots (approximately 4 carrots)
• 1 can (15 oz) stewed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables by peeling and dicing potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Slice carrots, finely chop onions, and mince garlic. Transfer these ingredients to a 5-quart slow cooker.

1. Sprinkle dried rosemary, thyme, and black pepper over the vegetables in the slow cooker.

1. In a skillet, brown ground beef thoroughly over medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat completely.

1. Add browned beef to the slow cooker. Pour in stewed tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.

1. Gently mix all ingredients, ensuring even distribution. The liquid may not fully cover the ingredients, which is normal.

1. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. The slow cooker should maintain a consistent temperature around 200°F.

1. After cooking time completes, remove lid and stir. Use a spoon to gently mash some potatoes, creating a thicker consistency.

1. Stir in frozen peas without thawing. Let them warm through for 2-3 minutes.

1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. The salt requirement depends on the broth’s sodium content.

1. Serve piping hot with crusty bread for dipping, allowing the rich flavors to shine.

Notes

• Customize vegetable selection by swapping potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutrient-rich alternative that adds natural sweetness.
• Reduce fat content by choosing lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey for a lighter protein option without compromising flavor.
• Enhance stew’s depth by adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during browning stage to intensify the overall taste profile.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensuring all broth ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (on High) or 8 hours (on Low)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg