Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe

If you’re searching for a warm, satisfying, and affordable meal that’s perfect for any night of the week, look no further than Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew. This comforting stew is a flavorful combination of ground beef, hearty vegetables, and pantry staples, all slowly simmered to perfection in a crock pot. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is an ideal solution for busy families or anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
• 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into large pieces
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Instructions

• Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain any excess fat.
• Peel and dice the russet potatoes into large chunks.
• Peel and slice the carrots into ½-inch thick rounds.
• Dice the onion.
• Add the ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and diced onion to the crock pot.
• In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic.
• Stir the mixture well to combine the seasonings evenly.
• Pour the tomato mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.
• Cover the crock pot with the lid.
• Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Serve the stew warm and enjoy.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Serve the stew hot, straight from the crock pot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls. A light green salad makes a great side to balance the richness of the stew.
• Make It a Meal: Top each bowl with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a nice touch of freshness.
• Leftover Storage: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing Tips: To freeze, place cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Label and date before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This stew is great for make-ahead meals. Prepare it the night before, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking it in the morning for a no-fuss dinner.

Variations

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Brown the meat as usual, and cook the stew the same way. This variation keeps it light but still hearty.
• Add Frozen Vegetables: For extra color and nutrition, add 1 cup of frozen peas, corn, or green beans during the last hour of cooking. These add sweetness and texture without extra prep.
• Sweet Potato Swap: Replace russet potatoes with diced sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and additional vitamins. Sweet potatoes tend to cook faster, so check tenderness earlier.
• Thicker Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes after cooking or stir in a mixture of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water during the last 15 minutes on high heat.
• Extra Flavor Boost: Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or 2 tablespoons tomato paste to the broth mixture for deeper, richer flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a mild heat boost without overpowering the stew.
• Herb Variations: Swap Italian seasoning with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a combination of both for a more earthy and aromatic stew.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and use lentils or beans (such as kidney or black beans) instead. Use vegetable broth and increase the seasonings slightly to enhance flavor.
• Cheesy Top: Serve with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese melted on top for a creamy, savory finish.
• Add Mushrooms: Include 1 to 2 cups of sliced mushrooms with the vegetables for added umami and texture. Mushrooms release moisture, so adjust the broth slightly if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh in this stew?
   Yes, frozen vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans can be added during the last hour of cooking for convenience.
2. Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the crock pot?
   Browning the beef first improves flavor and reduces excess grease, but you can skip this step if short on time.
3. Can I cook this stew on high instead of low?
   Yes, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours, but cooking on low for 6 to 7 hours allows flavors to develop more deeply.
4. What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
   You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Can this stew be made vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Replace ground beef with lentils or beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
6. How do I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?
   Mash some of the cooked potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
7. Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
   Yes, just ensure your crock pot is large enough to hold the increased volume.
8. What’s the best way to reheat leftover stew?
   Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until hot.
9. Can I use other types of potatoes?
   Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and hold their shape nicely during cooking.
10. How long does this stew keep in the refrigerator?
    Stored in an airtight container, it will keep safely for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is more than just a budget-friendly meal—it’s a comforting, wholesome dish that brings hearty flavors to the dinner table with minimal effort. Ideal for meal prepping, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd on a dime, this stew proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to enjoy a rich, satisfying meal. Give it a try and savor the slow-cooked simplicity that keeps families coming back for more.

Print