Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is the perfect budget-friendly meal that delivers big on flavor and comfort. Made with ground beef, hearty vegetables, and savory seasonings, this stew is simmered slowly to allow all the ingredients to blend together into a rich, satisfying dish. It’s the kind of meal that will warm you up and fill you up, all while being super easy to prepare in your slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stew is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal that doesn’t require much prep. The beauty of Poor Man’s Stew lies in its simplicity—ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and seasonings come together to create a deliciously rich stew that’s both comforting and affordable. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, making it a hands-off meal that’s ready to enjoy when you are. It’s a great choice for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead!

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 tsp garlic, minced

• 3 1/2 cups beef broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 5 carrots, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 lb russet potatoes, washed, skinned, and cut into bite-sized pieces

• 6 oz tomato paste

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• 1/4 cup cold water

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

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

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.

2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, black pepper, salt, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker.

3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch until there are no lumps. Pour this mixture into the stew and stir to combine.

5. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 19 minutes

• Cooking Time: 4 hours (on high) or 8-9 hours (on low)

• Total Time: 4 hours 19 minutes (on high)

Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn for added flavor and nutrients.

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a little heat.

• Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add more hearty vegetables, like parsnips or sweet potatoes, for a vegetarian version.

• Swap the Potatoes: Try using sweet potatoes or turnips for a different twist on the recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to loosen the stew.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen carrots and potatoes. Just be sure to add them to the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.

3. Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

4. Can I skip the cornstarch?

If you prefer a thinner stew, you can skip the cornstarch. The stew will still be flavorful but less thick. Alternatively, you can use flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.

5. Can I cook this stew on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables in a large pot, then add the broth, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the vegetables are tender.

6. How do I make this stew spicier?

You can make this stew spicier by adding chili powder, red pepper flakes, or even a diced jalapeño for extra heat.

7. Can I make this stew with different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a slightly different texture, but russets hold up well in this recipe.

8. How can I make this stew thicker without using cornstarch?

If you don’t want to use cornstarch, you can mash a few of the potatoes in the stew with a potato masher to naturally thicken the broth.

9. Can I make this stew in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the beef and vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then release the pressure and stir in the cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is a deliciously hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With tender ground beef, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is a crowd-pleaser that’s both filling and affordable. Thanks to the slow cooker, it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a satisfying meal, this stew is sure to hit the spot!

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