I remember the first time I lifted the lid of my slow cooker after a long day. A cloud of the most incredible, savory steam billowed out, filling my kitchen with the smell of roasted garlic, tender beef, and hearty vegetables. This stew is the definition of humble, hearty comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that simmers all day, filling your home with anticipation, and rewards you with a bowl so satisfying and rich, you’d never guess how simple and affordable it is to make. It’s become my go-to for busy weeks and chilly evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and budget. It’s a true “set it and forget it” meal that turns inexpensive staples into a deeply nourishing, one-pot dinner. The slow cooking melds the flavors together beautifully, making the potatoes creamy, the carrots sweet, and the broth incredibly rich. It’s forgiving, feeds a crowd, and makes the best leftovers. This stew proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
Now, let’s talk ingredients. Using ground beef instead of stew meat is the “poor man’s” secret—it’s more affordable and cooks faster, infusing the broth with rich flavor. Browning it first is non-negotiable; it adds a deep, savory base you can’t get from raw beef added straight to the pot. The Italian seasoning is the herbaceous heart of this stew; don’t skip it. I’ve tried it with just salt and pepper, and it was bland. This blend of oregano, basil, and thyme makes all the difference. For the beef broth, a good low-sodium variety lets you control the salt. The juices from the canned tomatoes and the seasoned beef will add plenty of savoriness.(See the next page below to continue…)