Crock-Pot Hamburger Stew – Easy, Hearty Slow Cooker Dinner

 This hearty Crock-Pot hamburger stew combines ground beef, potatoes, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a comforting family dinner with simple ingredients and minimal prep.

Cooking time: 4–6 hours on HIGH

Ingredients

• 2–3 lb ground beef

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 2 large cans spaghetti sauce

• 2 cans stewed tomatoes, undrained

• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

• 1 can Italian-style green beans, drained

• 1 can sweet corn, drained

• 1 can sweet peas, drained

• 1 bag baby carrots

• 2 cups potatoes, cut into small, even pieces

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon dried chives, optional

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• A pinch of sugar, optional, to balance the tomatoes’ acidity

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Cook the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.

2. Fill the slow cooker: Add the potatoes and carrots, followed by the cooked beef, spaghetti sauce, stewed tomatoes, and tomatoes with green chilies.

3. Season: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, optional chives, salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

5. Add the canned vegetables: Stir in the drained green beans, corn, and peas during the final 30 minutes to help them retain their texture. Continue cooking until heated through.

6. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a pinch of sugar if desired, then serve warm.

Tips: If the stew is too thick, stir in a little water or beef broth. Use a slow cooker large enough to keep the contents below its recommended maximum fill line.

Recipe note: Can and bag sizes were not specified in the original recipe, so the final yield and consistency will vary.