Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

March 10, 2025January 4, 2025 by Iris Iris

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is the ultimate comfort food. Made with ground beef and simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions, this hearty recipe is both budget-friendly and delicious. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to feed a crowd, this stew delivers every time.

Perfect for families, this slow cooker stew takes minimal effort and is packed with flavor. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how to make it step-by-step.

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What Is Poor Man’s Stew?

Poor Man’s Stew is a humble, cost-effective dish traditionally made with ground beef instead of pricier cuts like stew meat or chuck roast. The recipe is all about using affordable, fresh ingredients making it perfect for stretching your grocery budget.

This stew is known for its rich tomato-based broth and hearty texture, thanks to the addition of potatoes and carrots. It’s a year-round favorite, whether you’re meal-prepping or looking for a cozy dinner on a cold winter night.

Ingredients For Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this crock pot classic:

1 lb Ground Beef (browned and drained)
3 Russet Potatoes (peeled and diced into large chunks)
4 Carrots (peeled and cut into ½-inch slices)
1 Onion (diced)
1 can Diced Tomatoes (14 oz)
2 cups Beef Broth
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
2 tsp Italian Seasoning
1 tsp Onion Powder
2 tsp Minced Garlic

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

How to Make Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set it aside.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies

Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots into uniform pieces. Dice the onion for even cooking.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

Layer the ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions into your slow cooker.

Step 4: Mix the Broth and Seasonings

In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.

What Is Poor Man’s Stew

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the stew into bowls and serve warm. Pair it with cornbread, breadsticks, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Crock Pot Tips for the Best Stew

Ground Beef: Use 80%-85% lean ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
Broth Alternatives: Swap beef broth with chicken broth or even water for a lighter flavor.
Prep Ahead: Save time by browning the ground beef and prepping vegetables the night before.

Recipe Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some easy ways to customize your stew:

Broth Options: Use chicken broth or even tomato soup for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Add green beans, peas, corn, or celery for more texture and nutrients.
Seasoning Swaps: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning or add Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.
Protein Substitutes: Use ground turkey or a mix of turkey and beef for a leaner option.

Easy Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Beef Broth in This Stew?

Yes, chicken broth works as a great substitute. It provides a lighter flavor while still making a hearty base for the stew.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Italian Seasoning?

No Italian seasoning? No problem. Combine equal parts of dried basil, oregano, and thyme to make a quick substitute. Add a pinch of rosemary for extra flavor if desired.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Stew?

Absolutely. This recipe is very versatile. Add green peas, celery, or green beans during the last hour of cooking to keep them from overcooking.

Is This Recipe Suitable for Freezing?

Yes, Poor Man’s Stew freezes beautifully. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

How Can I Make This Stew Thicker?

For a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the crock pot. Alternatively, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat This Stew?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes or microwave in a microwave-safe container for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Can I Cook This Stew on the Stovetop Instead of a Crock Pot?

Yes. Brown the ground beef and add all ingredients to a large pot. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

This Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is a family favorite for a reason. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly budget-friendly. Whether you’re meal-prepping or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest for later. Happy cooking!

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