Name: Crockpot Ground Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 15 min
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 cups baby potatoes, sliced in half; 2 carrots, chopped (or 1 cup baby carrots); 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1/2 cup white onion, chopped; 1/4 cup uncooked white rice; 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juices; 2 cups beef broth (or water); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this stew comes together with minimal effort and everyday ingredients. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare ahead, and loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients from the veggies. The slow cooker does all the work, filling the house with delicious aromas. It’s also a great way to sneak in vegetables and stretch a pound of ground beef into a hearty meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef
2 cups baby potatoes, sliced in half
2 carrots, chopped (or 1 cup baby carrots)
2 celery stalks, chopped
½ cup white onion, chopped
¼ cup uncooked white rice
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
2 cups beef broth (or water)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. I season it well with salt and pepper, then blot out the excess grease using a paper towel.
In my crockpot, I add the halved baby potatoes, chopped carrots, celery, onion, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I stir everything together to combine.
I then add the browned ground beef into the crockpot and give it a good mix to distribute it evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
I cover the crockpot and cook on high for 1½ hours, then switch to low for 6–8 hours until the vegetables and rice are perfectly tender.
On days when I’ll be out longer, I just set it to cook on low for 8–10 hours total, and it turns out great every time.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 7 hours
Total time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap white rice for brown rice, but I increase the liquid a bit and cook longer.
If I want more vegetables, I add peas, green beans, or corn during the last hour of cooking.
For added depth of flavor, I occasionally use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular.
I’ve also made it with ground turkey for a lighter version.
A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle heat if I want a little kick.

storage/reheating

I let the stew cool completely before storing it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and I freeze extra portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, I often add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens too much. I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, I let it cool completely before freezing in containers. It holds up really well and makes a great freezer meal.

Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?

No, I add the uncooked rice directly into the crockpot. It cooks perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.

Can I skip browning the beef?

I don’t recommend skipping it—it adds a deeper flavor and helps remove excess grease before it goes into the crockpot.

What kind of potatoes work best?

I usually use baby potatoes because they hold their shape well, but chopped Yukon Gold or red potatoes work just as well.

Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. I’ve made this with ground turkey and it still turns out hearty and delicious, just slightly lighter.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Ground Beef Stew is a no-fuss, hearty meal that’s perfect for slow cooking days. I love how the flavors develop over hours of simmering, and it’s such an easy way to get dinner on the table without standing over the stove. Whether I’m cooking for the family or prepping freezer meals for the week, this stew is always a comforting, satisfying choice.