Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew Recipe

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

This crockpot hamburger stew is a comforting, no-fuss meal made from everyday ingredients. It simmers slowly in the slow cooker, filling the house with a warm, inviting aroma. The recipe is budget-friendly, hearty, and ideal for busy days or chilly evenings when you want a satisfying dinner waiting for you.

I wasn’t always a fan of stew made from stew meat, but this hamburger-based version is different and simple to love. It’s a recipe my mother taught me after I was married. She used ground beef in place of cubed stew meat and kept the ingredients straightforward: potatoes, carrots, onions (if you like them), and a can of cream of tomato soup. The method is uncomplicated and yields a homey, comforting dish.

Crockpot Hamburger Stew

Yield:
3 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
4–8 hours (depending on heat)

Total Time:
4 hours 15 minutes (active time 15 minutes)

This cozy crockpot hamburger stew uses ground beef, potatoes, and carrots in a simple tomato-based sauce. It’s an easy slow-cooker dinner that’s especially welcome on cold days.

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
• The empty soup can filled with water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
2. Drain off any excess grease if necessary.
3. Transfer the browned beef and onions to the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add the diced potatoes and carrots on top of the beef.
5. Pour the cream of tomato soup over the meat and vegetables.
6. Fill the empty soup can with water, scrape any remaining soup from the can, and pour the water into the slow cooker.
7. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir gently to combine.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are melded.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for basic pantry and produce items. For precise measurements, please refer to the ingredient list in the recipe card above. The ingredients are uncomplicated and easy to find.

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

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Stew

1. Brown the hamburger and onion together until the meat is no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
2. Peel and cube the potatoes and carrots so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
3. Place the browned meat in the bottom of the crockpot, then layer the potatoes and carrots on top.
4. Pour the can of cream of tomato soup over the ingredients. Fill the empty soup can with water, use it to scrape out any remaining soup, and add that water to the slow cooker.
5. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
6. Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender—typically 6–8 hours on low or about 4 hours on high—then stir and serve.

Watch the Simple Slow-Cooker Method

A short demonstration shows how quickly this hamburger stew comes together: brown the beef, layer the vegetables and soup in the crockpot, add a bit of water, and let the slow cooker do the rest. The result is a warm, filling meal that’s great for family dinners.

What to Serve with Hamburger Stew

• Fresh buttered sourdough or any crusty bread
• Dinner rolls or biscuits
• A simple green salad for a lighter contrast
• Pickles or a tangy side to cut the richness, if desired

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• For extra flavor, brown the beef with a clove of minced garlic or a teaspoon of dried herbs before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Swap cream of tomato soup for a different condensed soup if you prefer a different flavor profile, or use a combination of tomato soup and a splash of beef broth for a looser texture.
• Adjust the size of the vegetable pieces so they cook evenly; smaller pieces will soften quicker.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated—reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and stir before serving.

Other Slow-Cooker Ideas

If you enjoy easy slow-cooker dinners, consider trying other simple recipes that use the same hands-off approach—tender pulled pork, hearty bean hotdishes, or shredded chicken variations are all great companions to this style of cooking.

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