Slow Cooker Ground Beef, Potato & Carrot Stew

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 4 cups (950 ml) beef broth

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground beef and break it into small pieces.

3. Cook for 7–9 minutes until browned and no pink remains.

4. Drain excess grease.

5. Set the cooked beef aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes.

2. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds.

3. Dice the onion.

4. Mince the garlic.

3. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

1. Place diced potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Add sliced carrots and diced onions.

3. Add the browned ground beef.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices.

5. Add minced garlic.

4. Add Broth and Seasonings

1. Pour beef broth over all the ingredients.

2. Add Italian seasoning, dried parsley, paprika, black pepper, and salt.

3. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and optional tomato paste.

4. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.

5. Slow Cook

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

2. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

3. Check that the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.

4. Stir gently before serving.

6. Adjust the Consistency

• For thicker stew, mash a few cooked potato pieces into the broth.

• For thinner stew, add a little extra warm beef broth.

• Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.

7. Serve

Ladle the hot beef and vegetable stew into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serve with warm dinner rolls, crusty bread, or crackers.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.

Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on the beef, broth, and ingredient brands.

Nut & Allergen Information

• Peanuts: Not included in the basic recipe.

• Tree Nuts: Not included in the basic recipe.

• Dairy: No dairy ingredients required.

• Gluten/Wheat: Worcestershire sauce and beef broth may contain gluten. Check labels carefully.

• Soy: Some packaged broths and sauces may contain soy.

• Other Allergens: Check all packaged ingredients for possible allergens and cross-contact warnings.

For a nut-free preparation, verify all ingredient labels and use clean cooking equipment.

Q/S – Questions & Suggestions

Q: Do I need to brown the ground beef before adding it to the CrockPot?

Yes. Browning the beef first improves its flavor and allows you to drain excess grease.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken works well as a lighter alternative.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes. Use approximately 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Green beans, peas, corn, celery, and bell peppers are delicious additions.

Q: Can I make this recipe without potatoes?

Yes. Replace potatoes with extra carrots, green beans, or other vegetables.

Q: How do I make the stew thicker?

Mash a few cooked potatoes into the broth or stir in a cornstarch slurry made with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water.

Q: Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes. Brown the beef, add all ingredients to a large pot, and simmer gently for approximately 35–45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in airtight containers within 2 hours. Enjoy within 3–4 days.

Q: Can I freeze this beef stew?

Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months. Potatoes may become slightly softer after thawing.

Q: What should I serve with this stew?

It pairs perfectly with garlic bread, cornbread, dinner rolls, saltine crackers, or a fresh garden salad.

Chef’s Tips

• Cut potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Brown the beef before slow cooking for deeper flavor.

• Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt.

• Add Worcestershire sauce for extra savory depth.

• Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often because heat escapes.

• Let the stew rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Final Result: A thick, rich, homemade beef stew filled with tender potatoes, sweet carrots, juicy ground beef, and flavorful tomato broth. A delicious comfort-food dinner the whole family will enjoy!