A Tasty and Budget-Friendly Stew Recipe: Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

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Close up image of poor man's stew in a slow cooker

Take a look at this delicious Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew recipe! It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. With ground beef and fresh vegetables, this stew will warm both your heart and your wallet. It’s a great option for a comforting family meal or when you’re hosting a gathering.

What is Poor Man’s Stew?

Poor Man’s Stew got its name because it uses ground hamburger meat instead of expensive cuts of beef like roast. By using ground beef, the cost of this stew is significantly reduced, making it a budget-friendly option. The simple seasoning and fresh ingredients create a flavorful tomato-based broth that is perfect year-round.

Ingredients:

1 pound Ground Beef (browned and drained)
3 Medium Russet Potatoes (peeled and diced into large pieces)
4 Medium Carrots (peeled and cut into ½-inch thick slices)
1 Medium Onion (diced)
1 can Diced Tomatoes (14 oz)
2 cups Beef Broth
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
2 teaspoons Minced Garlic

How to Make Poor Man’s Stew in a Slow Cooker:

Add the ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions to a crock pot.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic.
Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Adding the ingredients to the slow cooker

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Serve the stew warm and enjoy!

Tips for Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew:

Ground Beef: We recommend using 80%-85% lean ground beef to keep the stew moist without a greasy taste.
Potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into similar-sized pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.
Broth: You can use 2 cups of water instead of beef broth to cut costs.
Organic Ingredients: Feel free to use higher-end meat or organic vegetables if you prefer, but this stew is delicious and flavorful as written.
Prepare ahead: You can save time by cooking the ground beef and onions in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and add them to the slow cooker when ready.
Cooking Options: This stew can be made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch oven.

Recipe Variations:

Broth: You can use chicken broth instead of beef broth if you prefer.
Potatoes: Red or yellow gold potatoes can be used instead of russet potatoes.
Diced Tomatoes: Experiment with different varieties of diced tomatoes or even add tomato soup for additional flavor.
Frozen Peas: For a touch of sweetness, add a bag of frozen peas to the stew.
Other Vegetables: Green beans and corn would make tasty additions to this recipe.
Change the seasoning: Feel free to use garlic powder instead of minced garlic.
Ground Meat: Ground turkey can be substituted for the ground beef, or you can use a combination of both.
Add more flavor: Taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor of this stew.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew:

This hearty stew is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a meal on its own. However, you can complete the meal with a side dish:

Cornbread: Try serving this stew with a delicious homemade cornbread.
Breadsticks: Enjoy some garlic cheese sticks as a perfect dipping companion.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad is a great option for a light and refreshing side.

Close up image of poor man's stew in a black bowl

Can Poor Man’s Stew Be Prepared Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can brown the ground beef or use leftover cooked meat in this recipe. Clean and chop your vegetables ahead of time to save time on cooking day. If you peel and cut your potatoes the day before, keep them in a bowl of water in the refrigerator to prevent browning.

Can I Freeze Ground Beef Stew?

Yes! This stew is perfect for freezing. Brown your ground beef and prepare your vegetables ahead of time. Place all the ingredients in a freezer ziplock bag or container and freeze. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, place the frozen ingredients in the slow cooker.

How to Store Hamburger Stew Leftovers:

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It tastes even better the next day and is perfect for a quick lunch!