Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew
This budget-friendly, stick-to-your-ribs stew is a classic slow cooker favorite made with ground beef, hearty vegetables, and pantry staples. It’s easy to prep, rich in flavor, and perfect for feeding a family with leftovers to spare. Comfort food doesn’t get simpler or more satisfying.
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 preferred
- 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 large carrots peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- Worcestershire sauce a few drops, optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 7–10 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer browned beef to a slow cooker. Add diced potatoes, carrots, and chopped onion.
- Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix tomato paste, hot water, bouillon cubes (stir until dissolved), and Worcestershire sauce if using.
- Pour the broth mixture over the contents of the slow cooker. Stir to ensure even distribution.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours, until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
For extra heartiness, stir in a can of drained kidney beans or frozen peas during the last hour of cooking.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 29.2gFat: 30.8gSaturated Fat: 12.3gTrans Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 467mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4.7g