Description
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is a comforting, old-fashioned meal made with simple, affordable ingredients that deliver big flavor. Tender potatoes, carrots, and savory ground beef simmer slowly in a rich tomato-based broth, creating a filling, wholesome stew that warms you from the inside out. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying homemade dinner without the hassle.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This stew is perfect for:
- Families on a budget-friendly meal plan
- Busy home cooks who love set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meals
- Anyone craving classic comfort food
- Meal preppers looking for hearty leftovers
- Beginners who want a foolproof stew recipe
Why It’s Great
- Uses simple pantry staples
- Inexpensive yet filling
- Hands-off slow cooker method
- Rich, savory flavor with minimal effort
- Perfect for cold nights and meal prep
- Easily customizable with extra vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Tip: Browning enhances flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
2. Load the Slow Cooker
Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Spoon the cooked ground beef over the vegetables.
3. Add Liquids & Seasonings
Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and tomato paste. Add thyme, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 7–8 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
The stew is ready when the vegetables are fork-tender and flavors are well blended.
5. Finish and Serve
Stir in frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave
FAQ
Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes. You can add raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker, but browning adds deeper flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Corn, green beans, celery, or mushrooms work well.
Is this stew thick or brothy?
It’s moderately thick. Add less broth for thicker stew or more for a soup-like texture.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean substitute.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With humble ingredients and slow-cooked flavor, this stew delivers warmth, satisfaction, and nostalgia in every bowl. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—simple, hearty, and made for real life.
