Slow Cooker Ground Beef & Potato Stew
Nothing beats coming home to the smell of a hearty stew simmering away in the slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Ground Beef & Potato Stew is packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, carrots, onions, and a rich, seasoned broth.
It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that feels like something Grandma would make on a chilly evening. The potatoes soak up all those delicious beefy flavors while the slow cooker does most of the work for you.
Serve it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, and you’ve got a comforting family meal everyone will love. 🍲❤️
🥩 Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the onion begins to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Load the Slow Cooker
Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
Place the browned beef and onion mixture on top.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
Stir gently to combine.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 7–8 hours, or
- HIGH for 3½–4½ hours
Cook until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender and the beef is fully cooked.
5. Add the Peas
Stir in the frozen peas during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking.
6. Thicken the Stew
Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth.
Stir the slurry into the hot stew.
Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes, or until the broth thickens into a rich, hearty sauce.
Remove the bay leaf.
7. Serve
Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or dinner rolls for dipping into that delicious gravy. 🥔🥩🍲
💡 Pro Tips
- Brown the beef first for deeper flavor and a less greasy stew.
- Cut the potatoes into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly.
- Yukon Gold or russet potatoes both work well.
- Don’t add the peas at the beginning—they can become dull and mushy.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
- Want more vegetables? Add mushrooms, green beans, corn, or peas.
- If the stew becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth before serving.
❓ Quick Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, although the flavor will be lighter.
Can I skip browning the beef?
You can, but browning adds much more flavor and helps reduce excess grease in the finished stew.
Can I make this without tomatoes?
Yes. Replace the diced tomatoes with additional beef broth and add a little extra tomato paste if desired.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes. Cool completely, portion into airtight freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
✔️ Easy slow cooker meal
✔️ Hearty and filling
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ Tender potatoes and vegetables
✔️ Rich beefy gravy
✔️ Great for meal prep
✔️ Freezer-friendly
✔️ Perfect comfort food
Tender potatoes, savory ground beef, sweet carrots, and rich gravy make this slow cooker stew the kind of cozy dinner you’ll want on repeat! 🥔🥩🍲❤️
