Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

 

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew: A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Classic

In a world full of gourmet meals and trendy ingredients, sometimes it’s the simple dishes that truly hit the spot. Enter Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew—a humble, hearty, and comforting meal that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or a big budget to make something incredibly satisfying.

This dish brings together basic pantry staples—ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and canned tomatoes—into a rich, slow-cooked stew that’s packed with flavor. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for feeding a family without stretching your wallet. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or just want something comforting after a long day, this recipe will deliver every time.

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🥔 Why It’s Called Poor Man’s Stew

“Poor Man’s Stew” is a nod to the origins of the dish—born out of necessity during tough economic times. But don’t let the name fool you. This stew may be inexpensive to make, but it’s rich in flavor, comfort, and nourishment. It’s one of those “stretch your dollar” meals that doesn't feel like a compromise.

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🍲 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have.

• Slow Cooker Easy: Set it and forget it—perfect for busy weekdays.

• One-Pot Wonder: No mess, no stress—just toss it all in and go.

• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Mild, hearty, and always a hit.

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🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 3 cups beef broth

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• Optional: a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Optional: You can skip this step and add the raw beef straight into the slow cooker if you're in a hurry—just make sure it cooks thoroughly.

2. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Add the cooked beef, diced potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

3. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

4. Taste and Adjust

Before serving, give it a taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce if you'd like more depth.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and serve hot. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, cornbread, or just on its own as a hearty one-pot meal.

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🥣 Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and use lentils or beans for a meatless version.

• Bulk It Up: Add frozen peas, green beans, or corn during the last hour of cooking.

• Thicker Stew: Stir in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water if you want a thicker broth.

• Stretch It Further: Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for an even more filling meal.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is the kind of meal that brings people together around the table—no matter the budget. It’s hearty, it’s homemade, and it tastes like love in a bowl. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a comforting dinner that feels like it came from grandma’s kitchen.

Whether you're feeding a family, saving on groceries, or just want a meal that sticks to your ribs, this stew is always a good idea.