Crock Pot Poor Mans Stew

Crock Pot Poor Mans Stew is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort food made with budget-friendly ingredients and classic hearty flavors. Featuring ground beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and a savory tomato-beef broth, this stew simmers low and slow in your crock pot for a rich and satisfying meal perfect for cold nights, busy weeknights, or meal prepping on a budget.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef

• Set-it-and-forget-it: Crock pot convenience means no babysitting

• Hearty and filling: Loaded with protein and vegetables

• Great for leftovers: Flavors deepen overnight

• Family favorite: Mild, comforting, and kid-friendly

• Classic comfort: Warm, savory, and deeply satisfying

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground beef

• medium onion, diced

• garlic, minced

• beef broth

• Worcestershire sauce

• carrots, chopped

• russet potatoes, peeled and chopped

• tomato paste

• black pepper

• salt

• dried rosemary

• dried thyme

• bay leaves

• cold water

• cornstarch

Directions

1. Brown the Beef
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 6–7 minutes. Drain the excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to a 6-quart crock pot.

2. Add the Vegetables and Seasoning
   To the crock pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chopped carrots, diced potatoes, tomato paste, black pepper, salt, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.

3. Slow Cook
   Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

4. Thicken the Stew
   In a small bowl, whisk together cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the crock pot and stir well. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the stew thickens slightly.

5. Serve
   Remove the bay leaves before serving. Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 19 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on high, or 8–9 hours on low
Total Time: 4 hours 19 minutes (using high setting)

Variations

• Use ground turkey: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version.

• Add more veggies: Toss in celery, peas, corn, or green beans for extra bulk and nutrition.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Tomato base swap: Use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato paste for a thinner, more tomato-forward stew.

• Add beans: Mix in canned kidney or white beans for more fiber and texture.

• Make it gluten-free: Ensure broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free certified.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use raw ground beef in the crock pot?

It’s best to brown the ground beef first for better flavor and texture, and to avoid excess grease in the stew.

What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this stew as they break down slightly and add thickness to the broth.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender.

How do I thicken the stew without cornstarch?

You can mash a few of the cooked potatoes directly into the stew or use flour instead (make a roux separately and stir in).

Can I add noodles or rice?

You can, but cook them separately and add them at the end to avoid overcooking and absorbing too much broth.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool fully before transferring to containers and freezing.

What can I serve with this stew?

Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables or beans for substance.

Can I use other meats?

Absolutely. ground chicken also work well in this recipe.

Does this stew get better the next day?

Yes! The flavors meld and deepen, making leftovers even more delicious.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is proof that simple, inexpensive ingredients can create a warm and satisfying meal the whole family will love. With rich flavor from slow-simmered beef and veggies, this comforting dish is a weeknight hero and freezer staple all in one. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the hearty results—no fuss, no stress, just good food.

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