Ground Beef and Veggie Stew

My Go-To Ground Beef and Veggie Stew: A Simple Weeknight Meal

As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Ground Beef and Veggie Stew has become a staple in our house, and I'm excited to share the recipe with you! It's incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand, and satisfying enough to be a complete meal on its own. The best part? It's practically effortless thanks to my trusty crock pot!

Forget spending hours in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove. This recipe lets the crock pot do all the work while you focus on other things, whether that's getting the kids ready for school, tackling work emails, or simply enjoying some much-needed downtime. The slow cooking process creates incredibly tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew that's perfect for a chilly evening. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!

The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity. I often adjust the vegetables based on what's fresh at the market or what I already have in my fridge. Sometimes I add carrots, potatoes, or even zucchini. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies and reduce food waste. And the best part? Even picky eaters typically love this stew. The rich, savory beef broth combined with the tender vegetables creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.

I typically use organic, grass-fed ground beef for a richer, more flavorful stew, but ground turkey works perfectly well too, if you're looking for a leaner option. The marinara sauce provides a delicious base, and I love to add a touch of Better Than Bouillon beef base for an extra layer of depth. This is a family favorite – my kids actually ask for seconds!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Add some beans: Kidney beans or navy beans add protein and fiber.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
• Serve it over noodles: A simple pasta like macaroni or small noodles adds a nice textural contrast.
• Freeze for later: This stew freezes beautifully! Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

This Ground Beef and Veggie Stew is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of patience. It’s a meal that nourishes the body and the soul, a comforting hug in a bowl, and a perfect example of how delicious and easy weeknight dinners can be. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

I often make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, saving me valuable time and stress during the busy workdays. It’s a win-win for my family and me. So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the ease and deliciousness of this simple, satisfying Ground Beef and Veggie Stew. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Step-by-step

• Brown meat and onion together in a skillet until meat mostly browned, then drain.
• Transfer meat and onion into a crock pot.
• Stir in remaining ingredients, except the beans.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until veggies are tender.
• Minutes before ready to serve, add beans to the stew to heat them up.
• Top with parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• You can even put this stew on top of some noodles if you'd like.