Crockpot Ground Beef Stew

Looking for that absolutely dreamy weeknight comfort meal? This Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is a game-changer! The tender ground beef mingles with chunks of potatoes, carrots, and peas in a rich, savory broth. Every spoonful tastes like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

What makes this stew the very best is how incredibly hands-off and foolproof it is. Just brown the beef, toss everything in your slow cooker, and let your kitchen fill with that mouthwatering, homey aroma.

It’s the perfect hearty dinner for busy families, cozy Sundays, or those days when you need wholesome comfort with minimal effort. This dish is inspired by the classic stews my mom would slow-cook—it always drew everyone to the table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable convenience: Set it and forget it—the slow cooker does all the work for you.
• Super satisfying: Packed with protein, tender veggies, and a rich broth that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread.
• Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
• Easy to customize: Swap in your favorite veggies or make it gluten-free in a snap.

Key Ingredients for Crockpot Ground Beef Stew

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

Ground beef gives this stew its hearty, savory character and ensures every bite is rich in flavor. For best results, use lean (85 or 90 percent)—it keeps the stew satisfying but not overly greasy. Browning the beef first gives depth and seals in those delicious juices. Want to lighten things up? Try ground turkey or chicken.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes become delightfully creamy and tender in the slow cooker. Their waxy texture means they hold their shape, avoiding mushiness. Cut them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. Red potatoes are a great substitute, or use russets for an earthier feel.

Carrots

Carrots add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color. Peel and slice them into thick coins so they don’t overcook. No carrots? Parsnips or sweet potatoes offer a slightly different flavor and will work well, too.

Frozen Peas

Frozen peas bring a burst of freshness and color to the finished stew. Add them near the end to keep their vibrant green and tender bite. In a pinch, you could use chopped green beans or corn for a twist.

Beef Broth

Beef broth creates the savory backbone of this stew, marrying all the flavors together. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels, and feel free to swap in vegetable or chicken broth if you prefer a lighter taste.

Instructions for Crockpot Ground Beef Stew

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.

Sauté the Aromatics

Using the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all those tasty bits!), add diced onion and celery. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Add browned beef, sautéed onion, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker. Toss in the potatoes, carrots, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, beef broth, and remaining salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours (or HIGH for 3 to 4), until the vegetables are fork-tender and flavors are melded.

Thicken the Stew (Optional)

If you like a thicker broth, whisk flour with 1/4 cup cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the hot stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Add Peas & Serve

Stir in the frozen peas 15 minutes before serving—they’ll heat through and stay vibrant green. Remove the bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and ladle into bowls. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Make It Gluten-Free

To keep this stew gluten-free, simply skip the flour or use a gluten-free thickener such as cornstarch. Double-check your Worcestershire sauce, too—some brands contain wheat.

Spice It Up

If you crave a touch of heat, add a diced jalapeño, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce with the broth. It adds a gentle kick without overpowering the stew’s classic flavors.

Meat Lover’s Twist

Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. Each brings its own character and blend of flavors to the stew.

Load Up the Veggies

Stir in extra vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, green beans, or corn. This is a great way to clean out the fridge and boost nutrition.

Vegetarian Adaptation

Omit the beef and add two cans of drained, rinsed lentils or beans, plus chopped mushrooms, for a satisfyingly hearty vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crockpot Ground Beef Stew piping hot with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. It pairs beautifully with rustic crusty bread or buttery biscuits to soak up every bit of the savory broth. For a complete meal, add a simple green salad tossed with your favorite vinaigrette.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftovers cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave single servings until steaming hot. This stew freezes well—portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Ground Beef Stew (FAQ)

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time and refrigerate overnight?
A: Absolutely! You can brown the beef and sauté the aromatics, then combine everything (except the peas) in your slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just set it in the base and start cooking.

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: Yes! Red potatoes, golds, or even peeled and chopped russets will all hold up beautifully in this stew. Just keep the pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.

Q: How do I thicken the stew if I like it less brothy?
A: Stir in a flour or cornstarch slurry about 30 minutes before serving, or mash a few potato pieces right into the stew to naturally thicken the broth.

Ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food? This hearty Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is all about flavor, simplicity, and pure coziness. Give it a try, then leave a comment or rating below to let me know how it turned out—your feedback makes my day!