Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy hamburger crockpot recipe for a delicious stew. It’s perfect for busy families, requiring minimal hands-on effort to create a meal bursting with flavor. Let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy a warm, satisfying, and fuss-free dinner. This hearty stew promises to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Crockpot Recipe
You’ll find many reasons to adore this simple approach to classic comfort food. These delightful hamburger crockpot recipes make weeknight cooking a breeze.
- Effortless Preparation: Simply brown the beef, chop some veggies, and let your slow cooker work its magic.
- Warm & Comforting: This rich stew is packed with tender beef and vegetables, perfect for any cool evening.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: Made with accessible ingredients, it’s a cost-effective way to feed the whole family.
- Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or add your favorite spices to tailor it to your taste.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Enjoy more free time while a delicious meal simmers to perfection.
Hearty Hamburger Crockpot Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Transfer the browned beef to your crockpot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and cubed potatoes. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well blended. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Stir before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Notes
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your savory hamburger crockpot stew. This hearty dish comes together easily with pantry staples and fresh produce.
- 2 lbs. russet potatoes
- 1/2 lb. carrots (about 4 carrots)
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 15oz. can stewed tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. Feel free to adjust based on what you have or prefer. For ground meat, ground turkey or ground chicken can replace beef, offering a leaner option. Try sweet potatoes or parsnips instead of russet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Chicken or vegetable broth works well if you don’t have beef broth on hand. Experiment with dried oregano or an Italian herb blend for different herb variations. You can use diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes if you prefer a smoother texture.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this easy recipe.
- 5-quart or larger slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
Prepare a truly satisfying meal with these straightforward steps for one of the best hamburger crockpot recipes. Follow along for a delicious, comforting stew.
Begin by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Next, peel and slice the carrots into rounds or half-moons. Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Combine these prepped vegetables, along with the dried rosemary, dried thyme, and freshly cracked black pepper, directly into your 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains. Once fully cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. Transfer the browned and drained ground beef into the slow cooker with the vegetables. Add the entire can of stewed tomatoes, including its juices, to the mixture. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
Gently stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker to ensure they are well combined. Don’t worry if the broth doesn’t fully cover everything; it will create its own liquid as it cooks. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook the stew on the high setting for four hours, or on the low setting for eight hours.
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and stir the stew. Use the back of a spoon to lightly mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot. This simple action helps to naturally thicken the stew, creating a richer consistency.
Finally, add the frozen peas directly into the slow cooker. Stir them in until they are fully incorporated and heated through. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding extra salt if desired (I found it perfectly seasoned without additional salt, but this depends on your broth). Serve your hearty crockpot hamburger stew hot with your favorite accompaniments.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These tips will help you achieve the best results and avoid common issues with your hamburger crockpot stew.
- Browning Beef: Don’t skip browning the ground beef. It adds a deep, rich flavor foundation that you can’t get from cooking it raw in the slow cooker.
- Thickening Stew: If your stew is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the hot stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mash more potatoes.
- Seasoning: Always taste and adjust seasonings just before serving. Different broths and stewed tomatoes have varying salt levels.
- Avoiding Watery Stew: Measure your liquids carefully. Adding too much broth can result in a thin stew. The vegetables will release moisture as they cook.
- Adding More Veggies: For delicate vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, add them during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Enjoy your delicious crockpot hamburger stew with these serving and storage tips.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting stew hot with your favorite crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a slice of homemade cornbread for dipping. A simple green salad makes a nice light side.
Storage
Allow any leftover stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days.
For proper food safety, refer to the USDA’s cold food storage guidelines to ensure your cooked meat and poultry leftovers are kept safely.
Freezing
For longer storage, spoon cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave a little headspace for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. For larger quantities, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a safe temperature.
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or corn during the last hour of cooking.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of chili powder, a dash of smoked paprika, or a few red pepper flakes for extra warmth.
- Cheese Topping: Serve bowls of stew topped with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese for a creamy finish.
- Herb Combinations: Experiment with a bay leaf added during cooking (remove before serving) or fresh chopped parsley stirred in at the end.
Nutrition
While specific nutritional values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, this hearty hamburger crockpot stew offers a fulfilling meal. It typically provides a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates from potatoes, and various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. This information is an estimate and not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-500 kcal |
| Protein | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 15-20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-50 g |
| Fiber | 5-7 g |
FAQ
Got questions about making delicious hamburger crockpot recipes? We have answers!
Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?
A: Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator before browning it in the skillet. This ensures even cooking and proper browning.
Q: What size slow cooker is best?
A: A 5-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal for this recipe to comfortably hold all the ingredients. A smaller one might overflow.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Broccoli florets, corn, or green beans are great additions. Add softer vegetables like peas or spinach towards the end of the cooking time.
Q: How do I make the stew thicker?
A: You can mash more of the potatoes with a spoon against the side of the slow cooker, or stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, easily! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground crumble and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
Conclusion
This hearty hamburger crockpot recipe proves that incredibly delicious and comforting meals don’t require endless time in the kitchen. With minimal effort, your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying stew perfect for any family dinner. Give this easy recipe a try tonight and discover the joy of hands-off cooking and maximum flavor. It’s a true weeknight winner!
