Easy Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Hamburger Stew Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary during the assembly phase. These additions can add a layer of complexity to the gravy without requiring extra effort. If you prefer a more rustic stew, leave the skins on the potatoes, provided they are thoroughly scrubbed, as this adds texture and a bit of extra color to the final dish.

If you find the gravy is thinner than you prefer after the cooking time is complete, you can remove a small amount of liquid and whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch before returning it to the pot. Stir it through and let it sit for a few minutes on the high setting to thicken. This simple adjustment allows you to customize the consistency of the gravy to suit your personal preference for a thicker or thinner sauce.

Variations

• Vegetable Medley Stew: Add a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These additions bring extra color and texture to the stew without needing long cooking times, making it even more vibrant for a varied meal.
• Spicy Hamburger Stew: Incorporate a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce into the broth before cooking. This variation adds a pleasant kick of heat that cuts through the richness of the gravy, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat until steaming, or in the microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until hot.

Allow the stew to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours after cooking. Once cooled, transfer the stew into airtight containers. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, ensure it is heated until it is steaming hot throughout. If you notice any changes in smell or appearance after three days, it is best to discard the leftovers to ensure food safety.

This stew is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can prepare the raw ingredients and store them in a container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Simply add them to the slow cooker along with the broth and gravy mix when you are ready to start the cooking process. This method saves time on busy days while still providing a fresh, hot meal.

Serving ideas

Serve this hamburger stew hot in deep bowls to capture every bit of the savory gravy. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple dinner roll, which is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left in the bowl.

A small side salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew, making for a well-rounded and satisfying home-cooked dinner experience for everyone.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the stew over a bed of mashed potatoes or steamed white rice. The gravy will soak into the sides, adding flavor to the entire plate.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if desired, which adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness. This simple presentation makes the stew feel special enough for a family gathering while remaining approachable for a quiet weeknight at home.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Poor Man's Hamburger Stew

Prep 10 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups potatoes, cubed
• 2 cups carrots, sliced into coins
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground beef into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Use your hands to crumble the meat evenly across the base of the insert to ensure even cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the cubed potatoes and sliced carrot coins over the ground beef. Sprinkle the brown gravy mix evenly over the top of the vegetables to ensure all ingredients are coated with the seasoning.
3. Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Once finished, ensure the internal temperature of the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C). Let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the gravy to thicken slightly.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.