Crock-Pot Beef And Veggies
A hearty Crock-Pot beef and veggie stew packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Combining ground beef, colorful vegetables, and spices, it's perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish offers a satisfying, nutritious meal with a mild kick of heat and aromatic cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lb. extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 carrots, shredded ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can black beans (16 oz.), drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 can corn (16 oz.), drained ⓘ
- 1 can diced tomatoes (16 oz.), undrained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pimiento stuffed olives ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 to 3 dashes hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Transfer the cooked beef to the Crock-Pot.
- Add chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, chopped celery, shredded carrots, chopped garlic, drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes with their juice, chopped green pimiento-stuffed olives, cinnamon, salt, hot pepper sauce, and pepper to the Crock-Pot.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours or on high for 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
- Serve hot over brown rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika to the mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. If you want to add more veggies, zucchini or mushrooms work well. This dish can also be spiced up with your favorite chili powder to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish over brown rice for a nutritious meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad. For a comforting option, try serving it in a bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top. This dish can also be enjoyed as a filling for tacos or burritos for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. If the mixture is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water while reheating to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Beef And Veggies contains roughly 805 calories, with 20g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1289mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones. Just add them to the Crock-Pot without thawing, but keep in mind that the cooking time may increase slightly. This is a convenient option if you're looking to save time and reduce prep work.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot pepper sauce or consider adding diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the mix. You can also serve the finished dish with additional hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra spice.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply transfer them to the Crock-Pot and start the cooking process. This makes it a great option for busy weekdays or meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).