There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of stew on a chilly evening—it’s like a cozy embrace in food form, isn’t it? Today, I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for Quick Crockpot Ground Beef Stew. This dish holds a special place in my heart, taking me back to family gatherings where the slow-cooked aroma would fill the house, drawing everyone to the kitchen like moths to a flame. Just the thought of it brings back happy memories of cozy evenings spent chatting and laughing around the dining table, bowls of stew in hand.
What I love about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this stew is a lifesaver. Just throw everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it for a few hours. And when the time is up? A deliciously hearty meal awaits you, chock-full of flavor and goodness. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
What’s in Quick Crockpot Ground Beef Stew?
- Ground beef: The star of this dish! I typically use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Feel free to use turkey or veggie ground meat for a lighter twist.
- Onion: A medium onion, diced to perfection, adds depth to the flavor. I often opt for yellow onions, but any variety works well!
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic lends a wonderful aroma and taste. Dealing with a whole bulb? Just slice off a clove and you’re good to go!
- Mixed vegetables: You can use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables—whatever you have handy. Carrots, green beans, and corn are a few of my favorites, but let your imagination run wild!
- Diced tomatoes: A can of 14.5 oz diced tomatoes adds a lovely acidity to the stew. Make sure to keep the juice; it helps create that rich, comforting broth.
- Beef broth: I recommend a good quality beef broth for added flavor; Swanson’s is a trusted brand in my pantry. You can also make it veggie-based for a lighter meal.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a teaspoon brings umami goodness that enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip this one!
- Dried thyme: For an earthy, fragrant touch. If you have fresh thyme on hand, feel free to use that instead—just double the amount!
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors. I always taste before serving to adjust if needed.
- Paprika: A pinch adds warmth and a bit of color to the stew.
- Optional potatoes: Diced potatoes can add wonderful texture and heartiness. I love tossing them in for a comforting touch!
Is Quick Crockpot Ground Beef Stew Good for You?
Let’s break it down, shall we? This stew is packed with nutritious ingredients. It features protein-rich ground beef, which is essential for muscle health. Pair that with mixed vegetables, and you’ve got a dish that offers a rainbow of vitamins and minerals. The garlic and thyme not only enhance the flavor but also come with their own health benefits, like boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
However, it’s worth noting that if you’re watching your sodium intake, be mindful of the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, as they can contain added salt. Opting for low-sodium versions can be a good idea. And if you’re looking to reduce calories, consider swapping half of the ground beef with a combination of beans or lentils for a satisfying vegetarian twist!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Optional: 1 cup of potatoes, diced
How to Make Quick Crockpot Ground Beef Stew?
- First things first, grab a skillet and brown your ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep things tidy.
- Add in the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir this beauty around until the onion turns translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
- It’s time to bring it all together! Transfer the meat and onion mixture to your crockpot.
- In that very same crockpot, toss in the mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes (juice and all), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine!
- If you’re using diced potatoes, toss them in at this stage.
- Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the veggies are super tender.
- Once done, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—because who doesn’t love a little extra flavor?
Hearty Tips for Your Stew Adventure!
- Feel free to mix and match your veggies! I sometimes sneak in peas, zucchini, or even some bell peppers if I have extras lying around.
- This stew is perfect for leftovers! In fact, the flavors get even better the next day.
- To thicken the stew further, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir that into the mixture in the last cooking hour!
If you serve this warm, wonderful stew alongside some crusty bread or over a mound of rice, you’ll have a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own cozy memories around the dinner table. When you make it, be sure to let me know how it turned out—happy cooking!
