Slow Cooker Ground Beef Stew with Potatoes

This easy crockpot hamburger stew is a cozy, comforting family dinner made from simple pantry ingredients and slow-cooked to tender perfection.

This crockpot hamburger stew is a no-fuss comfort meal that uses everyday ingredients and fills the house with an inviting, homey aroma as it simmers. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and especially welcome on chilly days when you want dinner ready with minimal last-minute effort.

I wasn’t always sold on traditional stew made with large stew meat cuts, but this hamburger stew is different — it’s the version my mother made when I was newly married and it became a family favorite. Using ground beef instead of chunks of meat makes the stew cook faster and gives it a comforting, rustic texture. The recipe relies on simple staples: a few potatoes, carrots, an onion (if you like onion), and a can of cream of tomato soup to bind everything together.

Crockpot Hamburger Stew

Yield:
3–4 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
4–8 hours (slow cooker)

Total Time:
4–8 hours 15 minutes

This cozy slow-cooker hamburger stew combines ground beef, tender potatoes, and carrots in a creamy tomato base for a simple weeknight or weekend meal. It’s low-effort and very forgiving—perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small to medium onion, diced (optional)
• 3 medium white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of tomato soup
• 1 soup can of water (use the empty soup can)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Drain any excess grease from the skillet and transfer the meat and onion mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add the cubed potatoes and carrot pieces on top of the browned beef in the slow cooker.
4. Pour the can of cream of tomato soup over the meat and vegetables.
5. Fill the empty soup can with water, scrape any remaining soup from the can, and pour the water into the slow cooker to thin the sauce slightly.
6. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir gently to combine the ingredients without mashing the potatoes.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. If the stew is thicker than you prefer, stir in a splash of additional water or broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on common pantry and fridge staples, so it’s easy to pull together without a special trip to the store. For exact quantities, see the ingredient list above. In summary:

• Ground beef
• Onion (optional)
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Cream of tomato soup
• Water
• Salt and pepper

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Stew

1. Brown hamburger and onion together in a skillet until no pink remains; season while cooking for deeper flavor.
2. Peel and cube potatoes and carrots into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
3. Layer the cooked hamburger in the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the potatoes and carrots on top.
4. Pour the can of tomato soup over the layered ingredients, then use the empty can to add an equal amount of water to loosen the sauce and ensure even cooking.
5. Season with salt and pepper, cover, and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors are melded.

Watch Me Make This Simple Crockpot Meal

There’s a short demonstration showing how this hamburger stew comes together quickly: browning the beef, layering the ingredients in the slow cooker, and letting it simmer into a warm, satisfying meal. Watching the method can help you feel confident about timing and layering.

What to Serve with Hamburger Stew

• Fresh buttered sourdough or other crusty bread
• Dinner rolls or biscuits
• A simple green salad to add brightness
• Pickles or a tart side to cut the richness, if desired

Tips and Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté a clove of minced garlic with the onion or add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the browned beef.
• Swap the cream of tomato soup for another creamy canned soup or use a mix of half tomato soup and half beef broth for a lighter finish.
• Add a bay leaf while cooking for a subtle herbal note, removing it before serving.
• To make this gluten-free, check the soup label or use a homemade tomato base thickened with a cornstarch slurry.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Other Slow Cooker Ideas

If you enjoy easy, hands-off meals, try other slow-cooker favorites like pulled pork, baked bean hotdish, or shredded chicken recipes. Slow cookers are excellent for economical, low-effort family dinners that develop deep flavor over time.

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