If you’re craving comfort food that warms your soul without breaking the bank, you’ve got to try this Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple, hearty dish packed with tender ground beef, tender potatoes, sweet carrots, and vibrant tomatoes—all slow-cooked to perfection. Each bite bursts with cozy flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness, making it an easy weeknight winner or a reliable meal for any day you want something satisfying and fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this stew is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating those rich and comforting flavors. From the earthy potatoes to the fragrant seasonings, every element comes together beautifully in the slow cooker to make magic happen.
- 1 pound ground beef: This provides the hearty protein foundation, ensuring a rich, meaty flavor.
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced: Their starchy texture thickens the stew and adds wonderful heartiness.
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Carrots add natural sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the savory notes.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Onions build a flavorful base that infuses the stew with warmth and depth.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Tomatoes bring acidity and juiciness, brightening every spoonful.
- 2 cups beef broth: This liquid enriches the stew and ties all ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that gives the stew a subtle herbaceous kick.
- Onion powder: Adds an extra layer of onion flavor for depth.
- Minced garlic: Garlic offers an aromatic punch and warmth that lingers deliciously.
How to Make Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial because it develops a rich, caramelized flavor through browning, which forms the savory backbone of your stew. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the stew from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Combine Meat and Vegetables in the Slow Cooker
Place the browned beef into your slow cooker and add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onions. These veggies cook slowly alongside the meat, absorbing all those amazing flavors and becoming tender without turning mushy.
Step 3: Prepare the Broth Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes (with their juicy liquid), beef broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic. This mixture is the flavorful, aromatic sauce that will cook everything together to perfection.
Step 4: Add the Liquid Mixture to the Crock Pot
Pour the seasoned tomato and broth mixture over the meat and vegetables in your slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to evenly distribute the flavors and ensure every bit gets coated.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow, steady heat softens the potatoes and carrots while melding the flavors beautifully—just watch the aroma fill your kitchen!
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened slightly, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the stew into bowls, grab some crusty bread if you like, and dive into this cozy feast.
How to Serve Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Top your stew with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for an inviting finish. A dollop of sour cream can also add a creamy cooling contrast to the hearty stew.
Side Dishes
Serve this stew alongside warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every last delicious drop. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can brighten the meal and add fresh texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew in hollowed-out bread bowls, turning your meal into a rustic treat. You can also top it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftover Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the stew stays fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw first in the fridge and then warm slowly to maintain the stew’s luscious texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this stew?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be tasty leaner options, but if you prefer beef’s richness, sticking with ground beef works best for this traditional twist.
Is it possible to make this stew in a regular pot instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can simmer it on the stovetop over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
What if I want the stew thicker?
To thicken your stew, mash a few of the potatoes in the crock pot toward the end of cooking. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Frozen peas, green beans, or corn can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add more variety and color to the dish.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and seasonings don’t contain gluten additives—always check labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe is truly a gem—simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and a soul-warming result that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or need an easy comfort meal to come home to, this stew will become a staple in your recipe box. Give it a try and savor every hearty, delicious spoonful!
Print
Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Poor Man’s Stew is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy days. Combining ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and a flavorful broth seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, this slow-cooked stew is easy to prepare and delivers rich, homestyle flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder, 1 teaspoon
- Minced garlic, 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the stew from becoming greasy.
- Combine vegetables and beef: Add the browned beef to the slow cooker along with the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and diced onion, distributing ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the broth mixture: In a separate bowl, stir together the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Pour broth over ingredients: Carefully pour the tomato and beef broth mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker to ensure everything is well coated.
- Cook the stew: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The stew is ready when the potatoes are tender and flavors have melded.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon the stew into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal that’s simple and satisfying.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, you can mash a few potatoes against the side of the crock pot near the end of cooking.
- Add extra vegetables like peas or green beans in the last 30 minutes if desired.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- This stew freezes well for up to 3 months; cool completely before freezing.
- For a lower fat option, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
