Crockpot Ground Beef Stew
A hearty and flavorful crockpot ground beef stew made with tender beef, vegetables, olives, and simple seasonings. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy days and delivers a warm, comforting dinner with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz / 400g
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup black olives sliced
- 2 medium potatoes diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional for browning
Instructions
Brown the Beef (Optional but recommended):
- Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add Ingredients to Crockpot:
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, diced tomatoes, potatoes, and olives.
Season:
- Add paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour the beef broth over the mixture.
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 6 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
Taste & Adjust:
- Stir before serving. Add extra salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
Serve:
- Enjoy warm with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Don’t skip browning if you want richer flavor — it also keeps the meat from clumping.
- Vegetable options: Add carrots, celery, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra volume.
- Thicker stew: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.
- Make it spicy: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or chopped jalapeños.
- Storage: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge and freezes perfectly for up to 3 months.