Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is a comforting, flavorful dish made with simple ingredients like ground beef, hearty vegetables, and savory seasonings. This budget-friendly recipe is perfect for busy days, allowing you to set it in the slow cooker and come back to a rich, filling meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a wholesome, warming dinner the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew:

Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients that are often pantry staples.
Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, making it ideal for busy days or hands-off meal prep.
One-Pot Wonder: No need for multiple pots and pans. Just brown the beef and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
Comforting and Hearty: Each bite is filled with tender veggies, flavorful beef, and a rich, savory broth.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Use ground beef with a moderate fat content (like 80/20) for extra flavor, or choose leaner beef if you prefer a lighter stew.
Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes hold their shape well and create a hearty, thick consistency in the stew.
Tomato Paste: Provides a rich tomato flavor. If you prefer a slightly tangier taste, you could use tomato sauce instead.
Bouillon Cubes: These pack a lot of beefy flavor into a small cube, making them perfect for a budget-friendly stew.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor that complements the beef and veggies beautifully. Only a few drops are needed to enhance the overall flavor.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 2 pounds of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
Drain Excess Fat: Once fully browned (about 7-10 minutes), drain any excess fat.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the cooked beef to your slow cooker.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Dice the Vegetables: Peel and dice 4 medium russet potatoes and 2 medium carrots into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Add to Slow Cooker: Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker with the browned beef.
Add Onion: Chop 1 medium onion finely and add it to the slow cooker. The onion will infuse the stew with its rich flavor.

3. Season the Stew

Add Seasonings: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, and 1 tablespoon of garlic powder over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Stir: Gently stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

4. Prepare the Liquid Mixture

Mix Tomato Base: In a separate bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of tomato paste with 2 cups of hot water.
Add Bouillon: Stir in 2 beef bouillon cubes until dissolved, creating a flavorful broth.
Add Worcestershire: Mix in 4 drops of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.

5. Combine and Cook

Add Liquid to Slow Cooker: Pour the tomato paste mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Adjust Liquid Level: Ensure all ingredients are just covered with liquid; if needed, add a bit more hot water.
Set Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 7 hours or on high for about 4 hours.

6. Thicken the Stew (Optional)

Make a Slurry: About 30 minutes before the stew is done, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water until smooth.
Add to Stew: Stir the slurry into the stew and let cook for the remaining 30 minutes. This will give the stew a thicker, heartier texture.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Final Adjustments: Stir the stew and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot, paired with crusty bread, rolls, or over rice for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions:

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious broth.
Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Serve the stew over a bed of rice or a dollop of mashed potatoes for added texture and flavor.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stew.
Toppings: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Poor Man’s Stew is a great meal to make ahead, as the flavors deepen over time.

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: If you’d like to save it for longer, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing.
Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth as needed.

Recipe Variations:

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are a few variations to try:

Vegetable-Packed Stew: Add chopped celery, bell peppers, or green beans for added nutrients and flavor.
Beef and Mushroom Stew: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy twist. Brown the mushrooms separately and add them in step 2 for extra flavor.
Herbed Stew: Add a teaspoon of thyme or rosemary with the other seasonings for an herby, aromatic stew.
Spicy Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Tomato-Based Twist: If you love tomatoes, add a can of diced tomatoes for a heartier tomato flavor.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew is a budget-friendly, comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With tender chunks of potatoes and carrots, seasoned ground beef, and a savory broth, this stew brings all the flavors of a classic beef stew without the hefty price tag. Customize it with extra veggies or spices to suit your taste, and enjoy a big bowl of comfort that’s both hearty and satisfying. Enjoy every cozy, flavorful bite!