Bring ground beef and mushrooms together in a slow cooker for a hearty favorite

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Brown the Ground Beef**:
– Start by browning the **ground beef** in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef into the slow cooker.

#### 2. **Add the Vegetables**:
– Add the **chopped onion**, **sliced mushrooms**, and **minced garlic** to the slow cooker with the beef. The mushrooms will release their juices as they cook, infusing the entire dish with their earthy flavor.

#### 3. **Season the Stew**:
– Pour in the **beef broth** and **Worcestershire sauce**, and sprinkle in the **dried thyme**, **onion powder**, and **garlic powder**. Add **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.

#### 4. **Cook the Stew**:
– Cover the slow cooker and cook on **low for 6-8 hours** or on **high for 3-4 hours**. The long cooking time allows the beef to become tender, and the mushrooms will release their flavors into the broth, creating a savory, aromatic sauce.

#### 5. **Thicken the Sauce (Optional)**:
– If you prefer a thicker sauce, make a quick slurry by mixing **1 tablespoon of flour** with **2 tablespoons of water**. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the cooking time is done, and let it cook for the remaining time. The flour will thicken the broth into a creamy, hearty sauce.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve**:
– Once the stew is ready, give it a final stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if necessary. For a fresh pop of color and added flavor, garnish with freshly chopped **parsley**.

– Serve this delicious ground beef and mushroom stew over **mashed potatoes**, **rice**, or **pasta**. Alternatively, enjoy it with a slice of **crusty bread** to soak up all the flavorful sauce.

### Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Mushroom Dish:

1. **Rich and Flavorful**: The slow cooking process allows the ground beef and mushrooms to meld together in a savory broth, creating a hearty, flavorful dish that’s packed with depth.

2. **Minimal Effort**: This dish requires little hands-on time. Once the ingredients are prepped, you simply toss them into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It’s a perfect meal for busy days or when you want a low-maintenance dinner.

3. **Affordable Ingredients**: Ground beef and mushrooms are budget-friendly ingredients that don’t break the bank but still deliver on flavor. It’s a great option for feeding a crowd without spending a fortune.

4. **Versatile**: This dish is incredibly adaptable. You can add other vegetables like **carrots**, **peas**, or **green beans** to the mix if you like, or even add some **potatoes** for a more filling meal. It’s also easy to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences.

5. **Comfort Food**: There’s something incredibly comforting about this dish. The combination of beef and mushrooms in a savory, creamy sauce is a classic that’s guaranteed to please anyone at your table.

### Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Mushroom Stew:

– **Use Lean Ground Beef**: If you prefer a lighter version, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.

– **Sauté the Mushrooms First (Optional)**: For extra depth of flavor, you can sauté the mushrooms in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances their flavor and gives them a richer taste.

– **Add More Veggies**: This recipe is easily adaptable—feel free to add vegetables like **carrots**, **peas**, or **celery** for added texture and nutrition.

– **Make it Gluten-Free**: If you need to make the stew gluten-free, simply skip the flour or use a gluten-free flour substitute to thicken the sauce.

### Conclusion: A Hearty Meal for All Occasions

**Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Mushrooms** is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with savory aromas as it cooks, making it impossible not to look forward to dinner. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this stew is sure to be a hit every time you make it.

So, whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or just enjoying it on its own, this hearty, slow-cooked meal will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s as simple as it is delicious!