Start with ground beef to make a yummy slow cooker classic with very little prep

Savor the rich flavors of a hearty and comforting meal with our Slow Cooker Classic: Savory Ground Beef Stew. This timeless dish combines the convenience of slow cooker cooking with the irresistible taste of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices. With very little prep required, you can simply set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day. Join us as we explore the ingredients, steps, variations, tips, and more to create this delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Steps:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add the Aromatics: To the slow cooker, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced potatoes.
3. Season and Flavor: Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth into the slow cooker. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking and allow it to thicken.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the stew is cooked to perfection, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.

Variation:

• Beef and Vegetable Soup: To make a lighter version of this dish, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables such as green beans, peas, or corn. Cook as directed, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Tips:

• Choose Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the stew.
• Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Freeze Leftovers: This stew freezes well, so don’t hesitate to make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for quick and convenient meals later on.

Our Slow Cooker Classic: Savory Ground Beef Stew is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this hearty stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dinner at home or shared with loved ones at a potluck gathering, this timeless dish is guaranteed to warm your heart and nourish your soul. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the delicious flavors of this classic beef stew. Enjoy!