- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Optional Additions
You can also add:
- Diced celery
- Mushrooms
- Green beans
- Corn
- Chopped bell pepper
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for serving
Kitchen Tools
You don't need much equipment for this recipe.
- Slow cooker or Crock-Pot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for the cornstarch slurry
Ingredient Substitutions
This is one of those recipes that welcomes a little flexibility.
Ground beef: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used, although the flavor will be a little lighter.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape beautifully, while russet potatoes create a softer, slightly thicker stew.
Beef broth: Chicken broth can work in a pinch, but beef broth gives the stew its richest flavor.
Frozen peas: Fresh peas can be added near the end instead.
Tomato paste: If you don't have tomato paste, a few tablespoons of tomato sauce can work, although the finished broth may be slightly thinner.
Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar savory boost.
How To Make Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Stew
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Drain off excess grease if necessary.
You can technically add raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker, but browning it first gives the stew much better flavor and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is browning, prepare the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic.
Try to cut the potatoes into fairly uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Nobody wants one potato still firm while another has completely disappeared into the broth!!
Step 3: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the browned beef into the slow cooker.
Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic.
Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Add the thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Give everything a good stir.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
LOW: 6–8 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
The stew is ready when the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender and the flavors have had time to come together.
The exact cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your vegetables.
Step 5: Add the Peas
About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
They only need a short time to heat through, and adding them near the end helps them keep their bright green color.
Step 6: Thicken the Stew
If you'd like a thicker, more traditional stew consistency, combine the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
Stir until smooth.
Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes, or until the broth has thickened.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the hot stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
And please have some crusty bread ready.
You are going to want it.
What To Serve With Ground Beef and Potato Stew
Because this stew already contains beef and potatoes, it can easily stand on its own as a complete meal.
But a few simple sides make it feel extra special.
Crusty Bread
A warm baguette, dinner rolls, or homemade biscuits are perfect for dipping into that savory broth.
Simple Green Salad
A crisp salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness alongside the hearty stew.
Cornbread
Sweet, crumbly cornbread is another wonderful pairing, especially on a chilly evening.
Steamed Vegetables
If you want to add even more vegetables, serve the stew with steamed broccoli or green beans.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Stew
Brown the beef first. This adds a deeper flavor and gives the finished stew a better texture.
Don't cut the potatoes too small. Small pieces can become overly soft during a long cooking time.
Cut everything fairly evenly. Uniform vegetables tend to cook more consistently.
Don't skip the tomato paste. It adds richness and helps give the broth that slow-simmered flavor.
Taste before serving. Broth, beef, and potatoes can all vary in saltiness, so give the stew a final taste and adjust the seasoning.
Want it thicker? Use the cornstarch slurry at the end rather than adding a large amount of flour at the beginning.
Prefer a thinner stew? Simply leave out the cornstarch slurry.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely!
In fact, this is a fantastic make-ahead dinner.
Prepare the stew according to the recipe, let it cool slightly, and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
When you're ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.
The flavors have even more time to mingle overnight, so leftovers can be especially delicious.
How To Store Leftovers
Allow the stew to cool, then transfer it to airtight containers.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire batch gently on the stovetop.
If the stew becomes very thick in the refrigerator, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating.
Can You Freeze Ground Beef and Potato Stew?
Yes, although the potatoes may change texture slightly after freezing and thawing.
For the best texture, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to about 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
If you know ahead of time that you'll be freezing the stew, slightly undercooking the potatoes can help them hold their texture better.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 6 1/2–8 1/2 hours
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Method: Slow Cooker
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw ground beef in the slow cooker?
Yes, but browning it first is recommended for better flavor and texture. If you add it raw, make sure it cooks completely and reaches a safe internal temperature.
What potatoes are best for stew?
Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they hold their shape while becoming tender. Russet potatoes also work well and can give the broth a slightly thicker consistency.
Why is my slow cooker stew watery?
Slow cookers don't allow as much evaporation as stovetop cooking. If the stew is thinner than you'd like, use the cornstarch-and-water slurry near the end of cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Celery, mushrooms, green beans, corn, and bell peppers all work nicely.
Can I make this stew spicy?
Sure! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce to give it some heat.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes. Frozen peas are especially convenient because they can be stirred in near the end. For other frozen vegetables, add them according to how quickly they cook.
Can I make this without browning the beef?
Yes, but I highly recommend taking those few extra minutes to brown it. That little step makes a noticeable difference in the finished flavor.
How do I know when the stew is done?
The potatoes and carrots should be fork-tender, and the ground beef should be fully cooked. If you're unsure, check the meat with a food thermometer.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Stew is proof that you don't need expensive ingredients or complicated techniques to put a seriously satisfying dinner on the table.
A pound of ground beef, a few potatoes, some vegetables, and a handful of pantry seasonings transform into something warm, hearty, and incredibly comforting.
And I love recipes like this because they're practical enough for a Tuesday night but cozy enough for a Sunday dinner.
The slow cooker does most of the work, the kitchen smells amazing, and everyone gets a steaming bowl of comfort at the end.
That's my kind of dinner!!
More Cozy Recipes You'll Love
If you're building a collection of easy comfort-food favorites, try these next:
- Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- Crockpot Barbecue Ribs
- Impossible Taco Pie
- Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Easy Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you make this Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Stew, I'd love to hear how it turned out!
Leave a review below and tell me what you added to yours. Did you throw in mushrooms? Add extra carrots? Make it spicy?
And if you take a photo, share it on Pinterest so other home cooks can discover this cozy little recipe too!
There is nothing I love more than seeing the different ways readers make these recipes their own.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Nutrition will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.
Per serving, approximately:
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
