When life gets busy (and budgets get tight), there’s just nothing more comforting or satisfying than a hearty bowl of Poor Man’s Stew. Packed with savory beef, tender potatoes, and sweet carrots—all simmered in a rich, tomato-based broth—this old-fashioned slow cooker dish is exactly what every weeknight needs. The best part? The prep is a breeze, the ingredients are humble, and the flavor is downright irresistible. This is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again for its simplicity and soul-warming comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless & Hands-Off: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting—prep it in 15 minutes, then go about your day!
  • Budget Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.
  • Full of Flavors and Textures: Each bite gives you tender chunks of potatoes, sweet carrots, and deeply savory ground beef in a thick, flavorful sauce.
  • Family Approved: This stew is pure nostalgia, and it’s picky-eater approved. Perfect for feeding a crowd or getting cozy after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these pantry staples and let’s get stewing:

  • Ground Beef: Provides richness and a meaty backbone. Brown it first for maximum flavor.
  • Potatoes: Offer heartiness, body, and earthy comfort. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Carrots: Add a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color. Slice thin for quicker cooking.
  • Water: Acts as the base for the broth. For extra depth, you could swap with beef broth.
  • Onion: Delivers aroma, sweetness, and a flavorful foundation.
  • Tomato Paste: Thickens the stew and brings a deep, concentrated tomato flavor. Don’t skip this!
  • Dried Oregano: Adds herby, earthy warmth that ties everything together.
  • Onion Powder: Gives a boost of savory flavor and depth.
  • Minced Garlic: Because every great stew needs that garlicky punch.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make this recipe your own! Here are some creative ideas:

  • Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter, or go for crumbled sausage for extra spice.
  • Add More Veggies: Toss in peas, green beans, celery, or corn during the last hour for more color and texture.
  • Boost the Broth: Stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
  • Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on potatoes, carrots, and even add beans for protein.
  • Chunky or Smooth: Like a thicker stew? Mash a few potatoes directly in the slow cooker before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. This step is non-negotiable—the flavor you build here is worth the tiny bit of extra work. Once nicely browned, drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Add to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, and onion right on top. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the water, tomato paste, dried oregano, onion powder, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure the tomato paste is fully mixed in for a smooth broth.

Step 4: Assemble and Cook

Pour the seasoned tomato mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables in your slow cooker. Cover, set to low, and let the magic happen for about 7 hours. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Stir everything well. Ladle steaming portions into bowls, perhaps with a slice of buttered bread on the side for dipping. Bliss!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush this step! You want a deep, caramelized color for best flavor.
  • Uniform Veggie Pieces: Cut your potatoes and carrots into even pieces to ensure everything cooks perfectly.
  • Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving—adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to match your preference.
  • Don’t Peek Too Much: Resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid; it slows down the cooking time and lets out heat.

How to Serve

This stew is almost a meal in itself, but here are a few ways to make it truly special:

  • With Bread: Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or even a toasted baguette to soak up every last drop.
  • Over Rice: For a heartier meal, spoon the stew over steamed white or brown rice.
  • Topped with Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and freshness.
  • Cheesy Finish: Try a light dusting of shredded cheddar or parmesan on top for melty, savory goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stew is famous for tasting even better the next day!

  • Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

  • Freeze in single-serving containers for easy lunches.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

  • Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
  • Or microwave in a covered container, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

    Absolutely. Use finely chopped fresh garlic in place of the jarred variety. About two cloves will work, and it delivers a vibrant, punchy flavor.

  2. Can I cook this stew on high if I’m short on time?

    Yes, you can! Cook on high for about 4 hours, but the potatoes and carrots may be a touch less tender than the low-and-slow version. Low is best for deep flavor and soft texture.

  3. What potatoes work best in this stew?

    Yukon Golds or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape, but russets work in a pinch. Peel them if you like, or leave the skins on for extra rustic charm.

  4. Is it possible to make this stew vegetarian?

    Definitely. Simply skip the ground beef and add more root vegetables or a can of drained and rinsed beans (kidney or white beans work well) for protein.

Final Thoughts

Poor Man’s Stew proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to be downright delicious. With a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker, you’ll end up with a pot of rustic, rich flavor that feels like a big, comforting hug. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how satisfying simple ingredients can be!

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Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

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  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is a hearty, budget-friendly meal packed with tender potatoes, carrots, ground beef, and a savory tomato-based broth. Easily prepared in your slow cooker, it is perfect for busy days when you need a comforting, nutritious dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 lb potatoes, cut into pieces
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped

Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef

Liquids & Base

  • 2 cups water
  • 6 oz tomato paste (1 can)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness in the stew.
  2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onion. Stir all the ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
  3. Mix the Broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, tomato paste, dried oregano, onion powder, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add the Broth: Pour the tomato mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is coated.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 hours. During this time, the vegetables will become tender and the flavors will meld.
  6. Serve: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the stew hot, optionally with a slice of bread on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a leaner dish, use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey.
  • You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes for variation.
  • Adjust the seasoning before serving to suit your preference.
  • This stew freezes well—perfect for meal prep!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 299 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 302 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
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Hi, I’m Julia! A foodie who believes in keeping cooking simple, fun, and full of flavor. From quick weeknight meals to tasty treats, I’m here to share recipes that make life a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s get cooking!

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