Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of a hearty Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew wafting through your kitchen. This comforting dish, packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors, is not just a meal—it's a warm embrace in a bowl! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic for a delicious dinner that serves up to six. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Ready to dive into this culinary delight? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces, dice the potatoes and onion, and mince the garlic. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly and integrates well in the stew.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring it is evenly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and diced onion on top of the beef.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Mix these spices together and sprinkle them evenly over the vegetables and beef in the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add more broth or water to cover the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the stew to cook for 8 hours. This slow cooking process will help to meld the flavors and tenderize the beef.
- After 8 hours, check the stew for seasoning. If needed, adjust the salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty slow cooker ground beef stew with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This way, all you have to do in the morning is brown the beef and toss everything into the slow cooker.
- Browning the Beef: Don’t skip the browning step! It adds depth and flavor to your stew. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the stew from becoming greasy.
- Layering Ingredients: For even cooking, layer your ingredients in the slow cooker. Start with the browned beef, then add the vegetables, and finally sprinkle the spices on top. This helps ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Adjusting Seasoning: Taste your stew before serving! The flavors will intensify as it cooks, so adjust the seasoning to your liking right before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
