Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

“Embrace the simplicity and hearty flavors of comfort food with this Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew recipe. Featuring humble ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and ground beef, this stew is both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying. Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender vegetables and savory meat are infused with a rich tomato-based broth, accented by fragrant herbs and spices.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday meal, this stew promises warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Serve it alongside buttered sandwich bread for a complete and comforting meal that will delight the whole family.”

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds of potatoes, I use Russets

3 carrots, peeled and sliced

1 onion, chopped

1 pound ground beef, cooked and fat drained off

2 cups of water

1-6 ounce can of tomato paste

1 clove minced garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp onion powder

Instructions

In a dutch oven or skillet, cook the ground beef until it is done, drain the fat

In the slow cooker add the ground beef, potatoes, carrot, onion and the garlic

In a small bowl mix together the dried spices

Whisk together the tomato paste and the water, then combine with the dried spices

Then pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker

Put the cover on the slow cooker

Cook on low for 7 hours

Serve the stew with buttered sandwich bread

Enjoy!

Notes:

Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the vegetables according to what you have on hand or personal preference. You can use sweet potatoes instead of Russets, or add in other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added flavor and nutrition.

Enhancing Flavor: Consider adding additional herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile of the stew. Thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can complement the oregano and onion powder. For extra depth, you can also incorporate Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine vinegar into the tomato paste mixture.

Meal Prep: To save time on busy days, prep the ingredients in advance by chopping the vegetables and cooking the ground beef ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble in the slow cooker.

Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last hour of cooking or adjust the ratio of tomato paste to water in the recipe.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein alternatives like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. You can also add in more vegetables or beans to make the stew heartier and filling.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What makes this stew “poor man’s stew”?

The term “poor man’s stew” often refers to budget-friendly recipes using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and carrots.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as a substitute for ground beef, adjusting the cooking time if needed.

Are there other vegetables I can add to the stew?

Certainly! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for additional flavors and textures.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Adjust cooking time as sweet potatoes may cook faster.

Can I prepare the stew in advance and refrigerate it overnight before cooking?

Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.

What’s the purpose of combining tomato paste with water before adding it to the slow cooker?

Mixing tomato paste with water helps distribute the flavor more evenly throughout the stew, creating a well-balanced taste.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, you can use fresh garlic. Use one to two cloves, finely minced, for an equivalent amount of flavor.

Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the ground beef adds flavor by caramelizing the meat. While optional, it enhances the overall taste of the stew.

Can I cook the stew on high for a shorter time instead of low for 7 hours?

Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but the longer, slower cooking time on low allows flavors to meld and intensify.

What can I serve alongside this stew, besides buttered bread?

You can serve the stew with a side salad, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. Choose sides based on your preferences.