Some dinners don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to be satisfying. This simple slow cooker beef and vegetable stew is proof that a handful of everyday ingredients can create a warm, comforting meal the whole family enjoys. It’s an affordable recipe that relies on basic kitchen staples and lets the slow cooker do almost all the work.

As the beef slowly cooks with potatoes, carrots, onions, and broth, the flavors blend together into a rich and hearty dish. By dinnertime, you’ll have a filling meal with tender vegetables and a savory broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weekdays.

 

Serve this stew with crusty bread, homemade biscuits, or crackers to soak up every last spoonful of broth. For a more complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

 

Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Stew

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

 

Instructions

1. Place the ground beef in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Spread the potatoes, carrots, and onion evenly over the meat.
2. Season everything with salt and black pepper. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the vegetables are fork-tender and the beef is thoroughly cooked.
4. About an hour before serving, stir the mixture and break the beef into smaller pieces. Mix well so the flavors combine throughout the stew.
5. Check the seasoning and adjust if desired. For a thicker consistency, lightly mash some of the cooked potatoes into the broth.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

 

Helpful Ideas

Add More Vegetables

Frozen peas, corn, or green beans can be added during the final 15 to 20 minutes of cooking for extra color and texture.

Richer Flavor

A small amount of tomato sauce stirred into the broth can add depth and a slightly different flavor profile.

Make It Heartier

For a thicker, more substantial stew, mash a few potatoes directly into the liquid before serving.

Family-Friendly Option

Cut the vegetables into smaller pieces and top individual bowls with shredded cheese if serving younger eaters.

Prep Ahead

Chop the vegetables the evening before and refrigerate them in an airtight container. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker and start cooking.