This Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is an easy, budget-friendly dinner loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes in a rich, savory broth. Everything cooks together in the slow cooker for a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, green beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the vegetables are fork tender.
- For a thicker stew, whisk the cornstarch and water together, stir into the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes of cooking, and cook until thickened.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Browning the beef first adds more flavor and removes excess grease.
- Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Yukon Gold potatoes also work well if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Add frozen peas during the last 15 minutes if you’d like extra vegetables.
Variations
Cheesy Poor Man’s Stew: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Mushroom Stew: Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the vegetables.
Southwestern Style: Stir in black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
Low-Carb Version: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread
- Homemade dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Side salad
- Buttered biscuits
Tips
- Don’t overfill the slow cooker; leave about an inch of space at the top.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings
Serves: 8 people
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 610mg
FAQs
Why is it called Poor Man’s Stew?
It’s known as Poor Man’s Stew because it uses simple, inexpensive pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and canned tomatoes to create a filling meal without spending much money.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes. Frozen green beans, carrots, mixed vegetables, or peas all work well. Add delicate frozen vegetables like peas during the last 20 minutes so they don’t become too soft.
Can I make this stew without browning the ground beef?
You can, but browning the beef first develops better flavor and removes excess fat, resulting in a richer and less greasy stew.
What’s the best potato for this recipe?
Russet potatoes become soft and hearty, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape a little better and have a creamier texture. Both are excellent choices.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew?
Yes. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I make the stew thicker?
Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the stew during the final 20 minutes of cooking. The broth will become thicker and heartier.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is a comforting, affordable family dinner that’s packed with beef, vegetables, and rich flavor. It’s a simple slow cooker recipe that requires very little effort and makes plenty of leftovers for busy days.
