This cozy, budget-friendly Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is a humble hero in the world of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, hearty, and made entirely with everyday pantry and fridge staples. Think tender potatoes, sweet carrots, savory ground beef, and a tomato-rich broth that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day—even though your slow cooker did all the work.
This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t just feed your family, it comforts them. It’s the perfect answer to chilly nights, tight budgets, or those days when you just want to toss everything into one pot and walk away. Plus, it reheats like a dream, so you’ve got lunch or dinner ready to go later in the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Simple Pantry Ingredients: Uses what you probably already have on hand.
• Hearty and Filling: A warm, complete meal in every bowl.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
• Budget-Friendly: Great for feeding a crowd without spending much.
• Meal Prep Magic: Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 4 large potatoes, diced (no need to peel if scrubbed well)
• 4 carrots, sliced into coins
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp jarred minced garlic)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon cube)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your favorite dried herbs)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain off the fat if desired—leaving a little behind won’t hurt the flavor.
Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Give it a quick stir to combine.
Step 3: Add the Liquid and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir everything gently to mix.
Step 4: Let It Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors are well blended.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Once done, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot—this stew is great on its own or with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Tips:
• No Ground Beef? You can swap in ground turkey, pork, or even lentils for a meatless version.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in a handful of frozen peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Thicker Stew? Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) in the last hour of cooking.
• More Flavor: A splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika adds depth.
• Cheesy Twist: Top bowls with shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
Storage and Reheating:
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they sit!
Freezer:
Freeze cooled stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat until hot, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly comforting. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy—everything you want in a go-to family meal. Pull this one out any time you need warmth in a bowl.
