Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Stew

This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Stew is a hearty, comforting dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and a rich savory broth. Everything cooks slowly until the potatoes are soft and the flavors blend into a thick, satisfying stew.

It is an easy family meal for busy days because most of the work is done by the slow cooker. Serve it with crusty bread, cornbread, or dinner rolls for a simple and filling dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker preparation
• Hearty ground beef and potatoes
• Rich tomato-based broth
• Simple everyday ingredients
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Great for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

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 for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.

Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef.

Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes

Add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker.

Try to cut the potatoes into similar-size pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 6: Add the Tomatoes

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

Step 7: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.

Stir everything together until evenly combined.

Step 8: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.

The stew is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 9: Check the Consistency

If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid during the final 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.

You can also gently mash a few potato pieces directly in the slow cooker to naturally thicken the broth.

Step 10: Taste and Adjust

Remove the bay leaf.

Taste the stew and add additional salt or black pepper if needed.

Step 11: Serve

Ladle the hot stew into bowls.

Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve with bread, rolls, or cornbread.

Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Potato Stew

• Brown the beef first: Browning adds deeper flavor and removes excess grease.
• Cut potatoes evenly: Similar-size cubes cook at the same rate.
• Use low-sodium broth: This gives you better control over the final salt level.
• Do not overfill the slow cooker: Leave enough room for the stew to simmer properly.
• Thicken naturally: Mash a few potatoes into the broth instead of adding flour if you prefer.
• Taste at the end: Slow-cooked dishes often need a final seasoning adjustment before serving.

Easy Variations

Ground Beef and Carrot Stew

Add 2 to 3 sliced carrots along with the potatoes.

Ground Beef and Green Bean Stew

Add 1 1/2 cups cut green beans during the final hour of cooking.

Ground Beef and Corn Stew

Stir in 1 cup of corn during the final 30 minutes.

Ground Beef and Bean Stew

Add one drained can of kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans during the final hour.

Spicy Ground Beef Stew

Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Stew

Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potato Stew

• Crusty bread
• Cornbread
• Dinner rolls
• Garlic bread
• Garden salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Crackers

How to Make the Stew Thicker

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash several cooked potato pieces directly into the broth and stir well.

You can also uncover the slow cooker during the final 20 to 30 minutes to allow some excess liquid to evaporate.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The ground beef and onion mixture can be cooked up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When ready to cook, add it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and continue with the recipe.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Cool the stew completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

The potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the stew gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot throughout.

Add a small splash of beef broth or water if the stew has thickened too much during storage.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on LOW
• Total Time: About 6 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 to 8
• Course: Main Dish, Stew
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approximately 390 calories per serving, depending on portion size

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to brown the ground beef first?

Yes, browning the beef first is recommended because it improves flavor and allows you to drain excess grease before adding it to the slow cooker.

What potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes both work well. Yukon Gold potatoes tend to hold their shape better, while Russets can help thicken the stew slightly.

Can I add carrots?

Yes. Sliced carrots are a great addition and can be added at the beginning with the potatoes.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey can replace the ground beef, although the finished stew will have a lighter flavor.

Can I cook this on HIGH?

Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.

Why is my stew too thin?

Remove the lid near the end of cooking or mash several potato pieces into the broth to make it thicker.

Can I add frozen vegetables?

Yes. Add frozen vegetables during the final 30 to 60 minutes so they do not become too soft.

Can I freeze ground beef and potato stew?

Yes. Freeze cooled stew in airtight containers for up to three months.

Can I prepare it the night before?

Yes. Prepare and refrigerate the browned beef mixture and chopped vegetables separately, then assemble the stew in the slow cooker when ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Potato Stew is a simple, hearty meal with tender potatoes, savory beef, onions, tomatoes, and a rich flavorful broth.

It is especially convenient for busy days because the slow cooker handles most of the cooking, making it an easy family dinner that also reheats well for leftovers.