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
Scale
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.
