Hearty Slow Cooked Ground Beef Stew

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 6 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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There's nothing quite like a hearty stew bubbling away to warm up a chilly day. This Slow Cooked Ground Beef Stew is your ticket to a cozy, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, leaving you with more time to enjoy the good things in life.

Ingredients for Hearty Slow Cooked Ground Beef Stew

Ground beef forms the hearty base of the stew, bringing a robust and savory flavor. Onion and garlic are the aromatic superstars, adding depth and a touch of sweetness. Carrots lend a subtle sweetness and vibrant color, while potatoes provide a filling, comforting texture. Frozen peas are added for a pop of color and fresh flavor. The beef broth is the liquid gold that ties everything together, enriched with Worcestershire sauce for a tangy, umami kick. A sprinkle of thyme, salt, and black pepper enhances the flavors, making this stew sing.

Tips & Tricks

  • To enhance the flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth after browning the beef and pour it into the slow cooker.
  • For a thicker stew, mash a few potato pieces into the broth during the last hour of cooking.
  • Use a leaner ground beef to reduce the amount of fat in the stew.

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs perfectly with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the hearty richness of the stew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be added at the same time as the frozen peas, just ensure they are tender before serving.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
Ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free. Some brands contain gluten, so double-check the labels.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, celery, or parsnips would make great additions to this stew.

Hearty Slow Cooked Ground Beef Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial as it develops the meat's flavor and renders some of the fat. Once browned, drain the excess fat — you want the stew to be rich, not greasy. Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.

Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker. These will soften and infuse the stew as it cooks. Toss in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. These vegetables not only bulk up the stew but also absorb all the delicious flavors as they simmer.

Pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce. This combination creates a savory, deep base for your stew. Sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become wonderfully tender. About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, add the frozen peas. They heat through quickly and retain their bright color and fresh taste when added at the end.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal prep time — perfect for busy days.
  • Rich, comforting flavors with simple ingredients.
  • The slow cooker does all the magic, freeing up your time.
  • Great for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, sliced
2 large potatoes, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes into the slow cooker.
4. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and black pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.
6. Add the frozen peas 30 minutes before serving to heat through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your warming stew.

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