Slow cooker recipes work well for busy days when you want dinner ready without much effort. Hamburger stew is a filling option that uses simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and carrots. This list has 13 different versions to try, from basic mixes to ones with added beans or spices. Each recipe gives clear steps and times so you can pick what fits your schedule. You can adjust most of them based on what you already have in the kitchen.
Helpful Tips Before You Start
A few simple steps will help your hamburger stew turn out thick and flavorful every time.
Brown the Beef First
Cook the ground beef in a skillet until no pink remains. Drain the fat well before adding it to the slow cooker.
Cut Vegetables the Same Size
Slice carrots, potatoes, and celery into even chunks. This keeps them tender without some pieces turning mushy.
Add Thickeners Later
Mix a quick cornstarch slurry and stir it in during the final hour. It prevents a thin broth without extra cooking time.
Use Lean Ground Beef
Pick 90 percent lean beef to limit grease that rises to the top. The stew still tastes rich after hours of simmering.
Classic Hearty Hamburger Vegetable Stew
This classic hearty hamburger vegetable stew combines ground beef with potatoes, carrots, and celery in a savory broth. It works well on busy weeknights or weekends when you want a filling meal that cooks mostly on its own.
The slow cooker turns the ingredients into a thick, comforting stew with tender vegetables and rich flavor from the beef and tomatoes. It is the kind of dish that feels satisfying without needing extra sides.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until the onion softens.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, sliced celery, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
- Stir the stew before serving to check the consistency of the vegetables.
Notes
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Large Skillet
Smoky Bacon and Bean Hamburger Stew
This stew brings together ground beef, smoky bacon, and tender beans in one slow cooker pot. It works well for weeknight dinners when you want a filling meal with minimal hands-on time. The bacon infuses the broth with rich flavor while the beans create a thick, hearty texture.
The combination of smoked paprika and chili powder gives the stew a warm, savory taste that pairs nicely with the beef. It is especially good on cool evenings when you need something comforting and simple to prepare ahead.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
- Add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Transfer the beef mixture and cooked bacon to the slow cooker. Add the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Stir the stew before serving to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Notes
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Large Skillet
Spicy Chipotle Black Bean Hamburger Stew
This stew combines ground beef with black beans in a smoky chipotle broth that builds flavor slowly in the slow cooker. It works well on busy weeknights or weekends when you want a filling meal ready with little hands-on time.
The result is a thick, hearty stew with tender beans and meat in a spicy tomato base. It has enough kick from the chipotle to stand out while still feeling like classic comfort food.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, beef broth, carrots, cumin, and chili powder.
- Stir everything together and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until the carrots are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with fresh cilantro sprinkled on top.
Notes
Cuisine: Mexican
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Large Skillet
Mushroom and Red Wine Hamburger Stew
This slow cooker stew brings together ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and a splash of red wine for a rich, savory flavor that feels special without extra work. It works well on busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty meal ready at the end of the day. The result is a thick, comforting broth with tender vegetables and meat that tastes even better after a long simmer.
The red wine adds depth while the mushrooms give a meaty texture that pairs nicely with the beef. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
- In the final 30 minutes, stir the flour into 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid to make a slurry. Add it back to the stew and stir to thicken.
- Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Large Skillet, Knife
Beef Barley and Root Vegetable Stew
This stew brings together ground beef, chewy barley, and sweet root vegetables in one pot. It makes a filling meal for cold evenings when you want minimal active time in the kitchen. The slow cooker does the work, turning simple ingredients into a thick, savory dish with tender textures throughout.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 parsnip, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks, then drain excess fat.
- Add the browned beef to the slow cooker along with the rinsed barley, carrots, potatoes, parsnip, onion, and garlic.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until the barley is tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Stir once halfway through if possible, then taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Large Skillet
Sweet Potato Kale Hamburger Stew
This stew combines ground beef with sweet potatoes and kale for a filling meal that feels both hearty and balanced. It works well on busy weeknights when you want something warm without much active time at the stove. The sweet potatoes soften and release a mild sweetness that pairs with the savory beef and tender greens.
The slow cooker does most of the work, turning simple ingredients into a thick, comforting broth. Kale stays bright green when added near the end, and the overall texture stays chunky rather than mushy.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the cubed sweet potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the chopped kale during the last 20 minutes of cooking. Cover again and let the kale wilt before serving.
Notes
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Large Skillet
Italian Herb Tomato Hamburger Stew
This slow cooker stew combines ground beef with a tomato base and a blend of Italian herbs for a hearty, hands-off dinner. It shines on weeknights when you want a warm bowl of stew ready by evening without extra steps.
The finished dish has tender chunks of beef and vegetables in a thick, herb-scented tomato broth. It feels familiar yet distinct with its oregano, basil, and thyme notes.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the onion and garlic during the last few minutes until the onion softens.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Add the carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.
Notes
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Skillet, Knife
Southwestern Corn and Pepper Hamburger Stew
This stew combines ground beef with sweet corn and colorful peppers for a hearty meal that feels both familiar and a little different. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it a good choice for weeknights when you want something warm without much hands-on time. The result is a savory broth with tender vegetables and a mild Southwestern spice.
It works well on cooler evenings when you want a one-pot meal that still has bright flavors from the corn and peppers.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the frozen corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with fresh cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Notes
Cuisine: Mexican
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Large Skillet
Cabbage and Dill Hamburger Stew
This stew brings together ground beef, soft cabbage, and fresh dill in a light broth that still feels filling. It suits cold evenings when you want a complete meal with minimal hands-on time. The cabbage turns tender without turning mushy, and the dill keeps the flavor bright rather than heavy.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion softens.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the carrots, potatoes, cabbage, diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the fresh dill right before serving.
Notes
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Skillet, Cutting Board
Lentil and Carrot Hamburger Stew
This stew brings together ground beef, lentils, and carrots in one pot for a filling meal that requires little hands-on time. The slow cooker does most of the work, so it suits weeknights or days when you want to prep in the morning and come home to dinner.
The lentils give the stew an earthy base while the carrots add natural sweetness and hold their shape. The result is a thick, savory bowl that feels hearty without being heavy.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the lentils are soft and the carrots are tender.
- Stir once more before serving to check the consistency.
Notes
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Skillet
French Onion-Style Hamburger Stew
This slow cooker version brings the rich, savory taste of French onion soup into a hearty hamburger stew. Ground beef adds substance while plenty of onions create a sweet, deep base that simmers into a comforting bowl.
It works well on busy weeknights when you want something warm without much active time. The finished stew has tender beef, soft onions, and a broth that tastes like it cooked all day.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices baguette, toasted
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften and start to brown.
- Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and top each with a toasted baguette slice and a sprinkle of Gruyere cheese.
Notes
Cuisine: French
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Large Skillet
Creamy Potato and Chive Hamburger Stew
This stew combines tender potatoes and savory ground beef in a smooth, creamy broth that feels hearty without being heavy. The fresh chives stirred in at the end add a mild onion note that brightens each bite. It works well for weeknight dinners when you want something warm and filling with minimal effort after the slow cooker is set.
The texture stays thick and comforting thanks to the potatoes breaking down slightly during the long cook. Cream cheese melts into the broth to create richness while the beef adds familiar stew flavor. It is especially nice on cool evenings when you want a one-pot meal that reheats nicely for lunch the next day.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion softens and the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir in the cream cheese cubes until fully melted into the broth. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the stew is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in most of the chopped chives and reserve a small amount for garnish if desired.
Notes
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Large Skillet
Autumn Squash and Sage Hamburger Stew
This slow cooker stew combines savory ground beef with sweet cubes of butternut squash and earthy sage. It creates a thick, comforting bowl that feels right at home on cool fall days when you want dinner ready without much effort.
The squash softens into the broth while the sage adds a subtle herbal note that pairs well with the beef. Serve it with simple sides for an easy weeknight meal.


Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the browned beef to the slow cooker along with the cubed butternut squash, diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Stir in the dried sage, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours until the squash is tender.
- Stir the stew before serving to combine the ingredients evenly.
Notes
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Slow Cooker, Skillet

