Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is a budget-friendly, hearty, and comforting meal made with simple ingredients. Ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful tomato-based broth come together in a slow cooker for a delicious, no-fuss dinner. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly – Uses inexpensive, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Easy to make – Just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it cook.
- Hearty and filling – Packed with protein, vegetables, and rich flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep – Freezes well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- Potatoes (peeled and diced)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Diced tomatoes (canned)
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth (or water)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Brown the beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add ingredients to the slow cooker – Place the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the Crock Pot. Add the cooked beef.
- Pour in liquids – Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir well.
- Cook on low – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Serve – Stir and serve hot with bread or over rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
Variations
- Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Vegetarian option – Replace beef with lentils or extra beans.
- Extra hearty – Stir in a can of drained beans or corn.
- Thicker stew – Mash some of the potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes with a natural release.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even sausage works well.
What can I serve with this stew?
It pairs well with crusty bread, biscuits, or over rice.
How do I thicken the stew?
Mash some potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Try green beans, bell peppers, or peas.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes will add a slight sweetness to the stew.
What’s the best way to add more flavor?
Try adding bay leaves, smoked paprika, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger Crock Pot and adjust seasoning to taste.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is a simple, hearty meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family on a budget or just want a comforting, no-fuss dinner, this slow cooker stew is a must-try. Enjoy a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort!
PrintCrock Pot Poor Man’s Stew
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is a budget-friendly, hearty, and comforting meal made with simple ingredients. Ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful tomato-based broth come together in a slow cooker for a delicious, no-fuss dinner. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled & diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef (Optional, But Recommended):
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned.
- Drain excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add the Vegetables & Broth:
- Add potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Notes
✔ Make It Thicker: Stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water in the last 30 minutes.
✔ Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for lentils or extra veggies.
✔ Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.