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.

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.

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.

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.

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew 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

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
Add the Broth: Pour the tomato mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is coated.
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.
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