There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of stew that’s been simmering away all day, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. Poor Man’s Stew is one of those timeless recipes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a meal that tastes like a million bucks. This dish is a nostalgic nod to simpler times when my mother would whip up a pot of this hearty stew whenever we were on a tight budget. Despite its humble origins, it always managed to feel like a feast.
This slow cooker recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something filling, delicious, and incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal prep work, you can toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. The result? A rich, savory stew that’s packed with flavor and sure to warm you from the inside out. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting Poor Man’s Stew:
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base of the stew, providing protein and flavor.
- 2 large carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture to the stew.
- 2 large potatoes, chopped: The potatoes help to bulk up the stew, making it extra filling.
- 1 large onion, chopped: A must for building depth of flavor.
- 1 cup frozen green beans: For a pop of color and a healthy dose of veggies.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a subtle but essential flavor.
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes: These bring a bit of acidity and richness to the broth.
- 2 cups beef broth: The broth creates a savory base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Adds warmth and a slight smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: For a touch of earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Poor Man’s Stew
Ready to make a stew that’s as easy as it is delicious? Let’s get started:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Cook the beef: Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is key to developing the flavor base of your stew. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the stew from becoming too greasy.
Step 2: Assemble the Stew in the Slow Cooker
Combine the ingredients: Transfer the cooked ground beef to your slow cooker. Add 2 large chopped carrots, 2 large chopped potatoes, 1 chopped onion, 1 cup of frozen green beans, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in 2 cans of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of beef broth. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir to combine: Give everything a good stir to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed and the flavors begin to meld.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will deepen and the vegetables will become tender.
Check for doneness: Once the cooking time is up, check the potatoes and carrots to ensure they’re fork-tender. If they need a bit more time, let the stew continue to cook until everything is perfectly soft and flavorful.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve it hot. It’s fantastic on its own, but for a more substantial meal, pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth or serve it over cooked rice.
Variations & Tips: Make It Your Own
One of the best things about Poor Man’s Stew is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Add More Vegetables
Bulk it up: Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. They’ll add extra flavor, nutrition, and color to the stew.
Change the Protein
Try different meats: While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether and add more beans or lentils.
Spice It Up
Add some heat: If you like your stew with a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix. The heat pairs wonderfully with the richness of the stew.
Make It Creamy
Rich and creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamier stew. It adds a luxurious texture and mellows out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Freeze for Later
Meal prep: This stew freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Just portion it out into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Stew
This Poor Man’s Stew is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
Crusty Bread: There’s nothing like a piece of crusty bread to sop up that rich, flavorful broth.
Cooked Rice: Serve the stew over a bed of fluffy rice for a more filling meal. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
Biscuits or Cornbread: For a true comfort food experience, serve the stew with warm, buttery biscuits or sweet cornbread.
Final Thoughts
Poor Man’s Stew is more than just a budget-friendly meal—it’s a delicious reminder that some of the best dishes are those that bring us back to our roots. This hearty, flavorful stew is easy to make, affordable, and most importantly, it’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling satisfied and comforted.
So next time you’re looking for something simple, delicious, and packed with flavor, give Poor Man’s Stew a try. With its tender vegetables, savory ground beef, and rich broth, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your household. Happy cooking!
Poor Man's Stew
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 large carrots chopped
- 2 large potatoes chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans 14.5 oz each diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces. Drain any excess fat to prevent the stew from becoming too greasy.
- Assemble the Stew in the Slow Cooker
- Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, onion, frozen green beans, and minced garlic.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and beef broth.
- Sprinkle with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine well.
- Cook the Stew
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Check the doneness by testing the tenderness of the potatoes and carrots. If they are fork-tender, the stew is ready.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread, cooked rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for more flavor and nutrition.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or add beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.