Hamburger Stew

This budget friendly hamburger stew is a favorite winter staple. So cozy, so filling and SO easy to make!

Prep Time20

Cook Time3

Total Time3 20

Servings:

Calories: 403kcal

Cost: $1.85/serving

1 lb. ground beef 85% lean is best
3 small carrots peeled and cut into bite size pieces
1 medium yellow onion peeled and diced large or cut into slices
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes, cut into bite size pieces (peel if desired)
2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 small garlic cloves)
3½ cups beef broth or water
15 ounces canned Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes or substitute unseasoned diced tomatoes plus ¼ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon basil, and ¼ teaspoon thyme.

Heat a medium sized skillet over medium heat. Brown 1 lb. ground beef in the skillet, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
Add 3 small carrots, 1 medium yellow onion, 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 3½ cups beef broth, and 15 ounces canned Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes to crock pot. Stir with a large spoon to combine.
Cover slow cooker with a lid and cook stew on Low heat for 4-5 hours or High heat for 2-3 hours.
Pierce the potatoes and carrots with a fork to be sure they are cooked through and tender, then season the stew to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve while warm.

I use 85% lean hamburger. If your ground beef has more than 15% fat, you may want to drain any excess grease before adding the meat to the slow cooker.
If desired, add 1 cup frozen peas in the last 30-45 minutes of cook time. This allows enough time for them to cook through without turning mushy.