Are you searching for easy, comforting meals that practically cook themselves? As a busy mom, I totally get it. That’s why I’m so excited to share my love for slow cooker hamburger recipes. I find that nothing beats the convenience and flavor of a hearty, home-cooked meal ready after just a few hours (mostly hands-off!) in the slow cooker.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Hamburger Recipes
Trust me, once you try these recipes, you’ll be hooked! Here’s why this collection of slow cooker hamburger recipes will become your new best friend in the kitchen:
- Effortless Convenience: Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! No need to hover over a hot stove.
- Unbelievable Flavor: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld and deepen, creating rich, comforting dishes that taste like they simmered all day.
- Versatile Variety: From hearty stews to fun sliders, I have a slow cooker hamburger recipe for every craving and occasion.
- Minimal Cleanup: Most of these recipes are one-pot wonders, meaning fewer dishes to wash after dinner. Hooray!
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew
Let’s dive into one of my all-time favorite slow cooker hamburger recipes, a hearty hamburger stew. It’s the perfect example of why slow cooker hamburger recipes are a weeknight savior. The aromas that fill your kitchen as it simmers are simply divine. It will bring you so much joy!
Amazing Slow Cooker Hamburger Recipes: Easy & Delicious!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Peel and slice the carrots. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and pepper to a slow cooker (5 quarts or larger).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain off the excess fat. Add the browned and drained beef to the slow cooker along with the can of stewed tomatoes (with juices). Finally, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the slow cooker.
- Give the contents of the slow cooker a brief stir to make sure everything is evenly combined (the broth may not fully cover the other ingredients). Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours, or low for eight hours.
- After cooking on high for four hours or low for eight hours, remove the lid and stir the stew. Use the back of a spoon to slightly mash some of the potatoes, which will help thicken the stew.
- Add the frozen peas (no need to thaw) and stir to combine into the stew. Taste the stew and add extra salt if needed (I did not add any, this will depend on the salt content of your beef broth). Serve hot with bread for dipping!
Notes
- Browning is Key: While it’s an extra step, browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds a rich, savory depth to the stew.
- Prep Like a Pro: Save even more time by prepping your veggies the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, so they’re ready to go in the morning.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. I also love adding a bay leaf for an earthy flavor.
Ingredients you’ll Need
- 2 lbs. russet potatoes
- 1/2 lb. carrots (about 4 carrots)*
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 15oz. can stewed tomatoes**
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas
For those interested in making a homemade version, a Crockpot Zuppa Toscana Recipe can elevate the dish with extra dimensions of flavor.
How to make Slow Cooker Hamburger recipes
- Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Peel and slice the carrots. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and pepper to a slow cooker (5 quarts or larger).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain off the excess fat. Add the browned and drained beef to the slow cooker along with the can of stewed tomatoes (with juices). Finally, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the slow cooker.
- Give the contents of the slow cooker a brief stir to make sure everything is evenly combined (the broth may not fully cover the other ingredients). Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours, or low for eight hours.
- After cooking on high for four hours or low for eight hours, remove the lid and stir the stew. Use the back of a spoon to slightly mash some of the potatoes, which will help thicken the stew.
- Add the frozen peas (no need to thaw) and stir to combine into the stew. Taste the stew and add extra salt if needed (I did not add any, this will depend on the salt content of your beef broth). Serve hot with bread for dipping!
Sarah’s Flavor Boost & Customization Tips
Want to take this stew to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:
- Browning is Key: While it’s an extra step, browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds a rich, savory depth to the stew.
- Prep Like a Pro: Save even more time by prepping your veggies the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, so they’re ready to go in the morning.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. I also love adding a bay leaf for an earthy flavor.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Hamburger Recipes to Explore
Ready for even more slow cooker hamburger recipes? I think variety is the spice of life. Here are a few other recipes I know you’ll enjoy.
Slow Cooker Hamburger Sliders
These little guys are always a hit at parties and game days! I love topping them with caramelized onions and a tangy BBQ sauce for a truly irresistible bite. They’re also perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Slow Cooker Hamburger Meatloaf
Say goodbye to dry, crumbly meatloaf! Making meatloaf in the slow cooker results in a tender, moist, and flavorful dish that your whole family will love. I promise, you’ll never make it any other way again.
Slow Cooker Hamburger Chili
Nothing says “comfort food” like a big bowl of chili. I make mine with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices. The slow cooker allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also a complete meal in one. The slow cooker makes the peppers incredibly tender, and the filling is bursting with flavor. I like to top mine with a sprinkle of cheese before serving.
Smart Substitutions & Dietary Variations
Here’s a handy guide to help you tailor these slow cooker hamburger recipes to your specific needs and preferences.
| Recipe Idea | Substitution/Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Recipes | Low-Carb | Use cauliflower rice instead of potatoes; serve chili/stew over zoodles. |
| All Recipes | Vegetarian/Vegan | Substitute plant-based ground “meat” for ground beef. |
| All Recipes | Gluten-Free | Ensure Worcestershire and soy sauce are gluten-free (e.g., tamari). |
| Hamburger Stew/Chili | Spice Level Adjustment | Add chili powder, jalapeños, or cayenne for more heat; reduce for milder. |
| Meatloaf | Different Toppings | Use BBQ sauce, ketchup glaze, or a mushroom gravy. |
Essential Slow Cooker Hamburger Recipes Tips & Tricks
Here are some extra tips and tricks to help you master the art of slow cooker hamburger recipes:
- Preventing Dry Meat: To keep your ground beef moist, make sure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker. The meat should be mostly submerged. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the ground beef before cooking.
- Achieving Perfect Consistency: If your sauce or stew is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Mashing some of the potatoes, as mentioned in the stew recipe, also works wonders.
- Slow Cooker Settings Explained: “High” and “low” settings refer to the cooking temperature. High is hotter and cooks faster. I use “low” when I have more time, as it allows the flavors to develop more fully.
- Browning is Best: Always brown your ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker, as it significantly enhances the flavor. I know I already mentioned this, but it is that important.
Serving Suggestions
For my Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew, I love serving it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a nice tang, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. A simple side salad also complements the stew nicely.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Can I freeze this? Absolutely! Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to brown the ground beef before putting it in the slow cooker? Yes, browning the ground beef adds a lot of flavor to the dish. It also helps to prevent the meat from clumping together in the slow cooker.
- Can I use frozen ground beef? I recommend thawing the ground beef before cooking it in the slow cooker for food safety reasons. For the safest methods, refer to the USDA guidelines on thawing meat.
- How do I prevent the stew from being too watery? Make sure you don’t add too much liquid to the slow cooker. If the stew is still too watery, you can thicken it by mashing some of the potatoes or adding a cornstarch slurry.
- Can I add other vegetables to the stew? Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as celery, mushrooms, or green beans. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
